When news of the death of Princess Diana, undoubtedly the most famous woman in the world, breaks upon shocked and disbelieving British public, HRH Queen Elizabeth II retreats behind the walls of Balmoral Castle with her family, unable to comprehend the public response to the tragedy.

For Tony Blair, the popular and newly elected Prime Minister, the people's need for reassurance and support from their leaders is palpable. As the stronger, Blair must find a way to reconnect the beloved Queen with the British public.

THE QUEEN draws on scores of interviews with insiders and expert observers fir its intimate, revealing and sometimes humorous portrait Minister operating at the height of his powers at a time of extraordinary private grief and public sorrow.