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Anna Keay’s appointment as the official biographer of Queen Elizabeth II cements her place among the most significant historians of her generation.
Anna Keay has been entrusted with writing the definitive account to mark the Queen’s 100th birthday. She is already among a distinguished group of Old Bedalians whose writing has shaped cultural, historical and public life.
The appointment, made by King Charles III, reflects his preference to commission a female historian with significant academic credentials and an established record of thoughtful, authoritative writing. An Oxford graduate in modern history, Anna Keay is widely recognised as an expert on British history, historic buildings and the monarchy. Her influential body of work includes Britain Without a Crown, which won the Duff Cooper Prize for Excellence in History, alongside many other acclaimed titles.
For this landmark project, Anna Keay has been granted access to the Queen’s official and personal papers.
She will draw on insights from members of the royal family, friends and staff. The aim is an intimate, layered portrait, to be published as part of the centenary commemorations.
Reflecting on her time at Bedales, Anna Keay said:
“That an educational institution, instead of being a place of authority and conformity, could, at its best, cherish and celebrate the poetry and romance of life, was - and remains - wonderful and precious to me.”
If her biography reflects that same sensitivity and breadth of vision, it promises to be a joy to read.
Anna Keay is not the only Old Bedalian (OB) to have written books that matter, nor is she the first to turn her pen to royalty.
The inimitable Gyles Brandreth - writer, broadcaster and former MP - is a No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author whose book Elizabeth offered readers a warm and revealing portrait of the late Queen. His works also include volumes on Prince Philip and on King Charles III and Queen Camilla, alongside an extraordinary range of language books, anthologies and memoirs, not least his autobiography Odd Boy Out.
Old Bedalian authors can be found across almost every genre. Lovers of crime and mystery might reach for Elizabeth Ferrars, who wrote more than 70 novels over a prolific career. Food enthusiasts will know Pat Chapman, whose many curry cookery books helped introduce Britain to the pleasures and possibilities of regional Indian cuisine. Gardeners may recognise Alys Fowler, horticulturalist and journalist familiar from Gardeners’ World, whose bestselling The Edible Garden: How to Have Your Garden and Eat It is a modern classic.
Meanwhile, OB Alexander Masters has gained acclaim for his innovative and compassionate biographies, including Stuart: A Life Backwards, a thought provoking exploration of homelessness that was later adapted for film, starring Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch. Plus the all-time classic Day of the Triffids was penned by OB John Wyndham.
Together, these writers represent something more than individual success. They reflect a tradition that nurtures and celebrates curiosity, originality and intellectual courage.
To discover more recent books by Old Bedalians, turn to the latest edition of the Old Bedalian Newsletter.
You will find a veritable smorgasbord of recommended reading on page 58. HERE
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