An easy read. In the end, despite my intention to only read the first pages before going to bed, I was unable to stop and end up reading the whole. I find it mildly amusing but I was slightly frustrated by the complaisance of the Queen and her easy acceptance at being manipulated and impose upon by other. I know she has duty but still! She has a right to have a minimum of leisure like anyone else! As for the view of her entourage about reading I find it slightly surprising. It may be because I am French, but the people I know, even if they don't read themselves, treat it as a laudable leisure and don't critic anyone because of it! So, as the people in the book were high dignitary with high education, I would think they would rather pretend to enjoy reading even if they don't find time to indulge in it themselves. Again, this may be a French view on the subject but each time I say that I read a lot, my audience didn't react in any particular way or was slightly admiring, but none ever criticise me even in an indirect way because of it.