Gareth Russell is a historian and writer. Born in Belfast, he studied history at the University of Oxford and completed his postgraduate degree in medieval history at Queen’s University Belfast. He is the author of several works of royal and social history, including a biography of Catherine Howard called Young and Damned and Fair and The Ship of Dreams: The Sinking of the Titanic and the end of the Edwardian Era, as well as two novels both of which were adapted for the stage. He has also reviewed for The Times, Daily Telegraph and Belfast Telegraph. He has contributed pieces for BBC Radio, BBC Northern Ireland and the History Channel. He lives in Belfast.

‘A warm, funny, and above all, sympathetic picture of a remarkable woman… Russell’s ‘skimming-stone’ biography has managed to capture both the laughter and the wisdom – I raise a glass to him’ Daily Telegraph, Four star review‘Utterly compelling… This drink-infused, deliciously gossipy account of a privileged life is guaranteed to raise the spirits of anyone lucky enough to read it.’ Anne Sebba, author of That Woman: The life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor‘Wonderful prose, telling stories that are hilarious and moving by turns. Immensely enjoyable.’ Suzannah Lipscomb ‘Utterly glorious.’ Emerald Fennell‘Do Let’s Have Another Drink is a joyful corrective. A triumph.’ Owen Emmerson, co-author of The Boleyns of Hever Castle‘I absolutely adored this book! It’s wonderful.’ Deanna Raybourn, New York Times bestselling author ‘Gareth Russell brings the Queen Mother’s humanity, courage and spirit to life… a compulsive read.’ Nichelle Tramble Spellman, Showrunner Truth Be Told (Apple TV+)‘Russell balances titillating gossip and heartfelt poignancy in this sparkling snapshot of Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon… Russell interweaves brisk and informative history lessons with royal family intrigue. Fans of The Crown will lap this up.’ Publisher’s Weekly‘Affectionate, scholarly, and side-splittingly funny. I couldn’t put it down.’ Adrian Tinniswood, author of Noble Ambitions: The Fall and Rise of the Post-War Country House‘Utterly captivating… this wonderful book achieves something that none of the conventional biographies has quite managed: to humanise the Queen Mother’ Tracy Borman, author of Elizabeth’s Women

Gareth Russell is a historian and writer. Born in Belfast, he studied history at the University of Oxford and completed his postgraduate degree in medieval history at Queen’s University Belfast. He is the author of several works of royal and social history, including a biography of Catherine Howard called Young and Damned and Fair and The Ship of Dreams: The Sinking of the Titanic and the end of the Edwardian Era, as well as two novels both of which were adapted for the stage. He has also reviewed for The Times, Daily Telegraph and Belfast Telegraph. He has contributed pieces for BBC Radio, BBC Northern Ireland and the History Channel. He lives in Belfast.

‘A warm, funny, and above all, sympathetic picture of a remarkable woman… Russell’s ‘skimming-stone’ biography has managed to capture both the laughter and the wisdom – I raise a glass to him’ Daily Telegraph, Four star review‘Utterly compelling… This drink-infused, deliciously gossipy account of a privileged life is guaranteed to raise the spirits of anyone lucky enough to read it.’ Anne Sebba, author of That Woman: The life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor‘Wonderful prose, telling stories that are hilarious and moving by turns. Immensely enjoyable.’ Suzannah Lipscomb ‘Utterly glorious.’ Emerald Fennell‘Do Let’s Have Another Drink is a joyful corrective. A triumph.’ Owen Emmerson, co-author of The Boleyns of Hever Castle‘I absolutely adored this book! It’s wonderful.’ Deanna Raybourn, New York Times bestselling author ‘Gareth Russell brings the Queen Mother’s humanity, courage and spirit to life… a compulsive read.’ Nichelle Tramble Spellman, Showrunner Truth Be Told (Apple TV+)‘Russell balances titillating gossip and heartfelt poignancy in this sparkling snapshot of Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon… Russell interweaves brisk and informative history lessons with royal family intrigue. Fans of The Crown will lap this up.’ Publisher’s Weekly‘Affectionate, scholarly, and side-splittingly funny. I couldn’t put it down.’ Adrian Tinniswood, author of Noble Ambitions: The Fall and Rise of the Post-War Country House‘Utterly captivating… this wonderful book achieves something that none of the conventional biographies has quite managed: to humanise the Queen Mother’ Tracy Borman, author of Elizabeth’s Women

Gareth Russell is a historian and writer. Born in Belfast, he studied history at the University of Oxford and completed his postgraduate degree in medieval history at Queen’s University Belfast. He is the author of several works of royal and social history, including a biography of Catherine Howard called Young and Damned and Fair and The Ship of Dreams: The Sinking of the Titanic and the end of the Edwardian Era, as well as two novels both of which were adapted for the stage. He has also reviewed for The Times, Daily Telegraph and Belfast Telegraph. He has contributed pieces for BBC Radio, BBC Northern Ireland and the History Channel. He lives in Belfast.

‘A warm, funny, and above all, sympathetic picture of a remarkable woman… Russell’s ‘skimming-stone’ biography has managed to capture both the laughter and the wisdom – I raise a glass to him’ Daily Telegraph, Four star review‘Utterly compelling… This drink-infused, deliciously gossipy account of a privileged life is guaranteed to raise the spirits of anyone lucky enough to read it.’ Anne Sebba, author of That Woman: The life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor‘Wonderful prose, telling stories that are hilarious and moving by turns. Immensely enjoyable.’ Suzannah Lipscomb ‘Utterly glorious.’ Emerald Fennell‘Do Let’s Have Another Drink is a joyful corrective. A triumph.’ Owen Emmerson, co-author of The Boleyns of Hever Castle‘I absolutely adored this book! It’s wonderful.’ Deanna Raybourn, New York Times bestselling author ‘Gareth Russell brings the Queen Mother’s humanity, courage and spirit to life… a compulsive read.’ Nichelle Tramble Spellman, Showrunner Truth Be Told (Apple TV+)‘Russell balances titillating gossip and heartfelt poignancy in this sparkling snapshot of Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon… Russell interweaves brisk and informative history lessons with royal family intrigue. Fans of The Crown will lap this up.’ Publisher’s Weekly‘Affectionate, scholarly, and side-splittingly funny. I couldn’t put it down.’ Adrian Tinniswood, author of Noble Ambitions: The Fall and Rise of the Post-War Country House‘Utterly captivating… this wonderful book achieves something that none of the conventional biographies has quite managed: to humanise the Queen Mother’ Tracy Borman, author of Elizabeth’s Women