The well known journalist, Robert Hardman, paid a brief visit to the West Country last week, and spoke to a large and enthusiastic audience at Marksbury Village Hall. He is also the author of an authoritative book “The Monarchy” which describes in detail a year in the life of our Queen.

 

Robert Hardman has been writing about the Monarchy for more than 15 years, first as royal correspondent for The Daily Telegraph and now as the author of the 'How I See It' column in the Daily Mail. During a distinguished Fleet Street career, he has also been, among other things, a political sketchwriter, a diarist, a sports columnist and a restaurant critic.

 

Every year over 5000 royal engagements take place around the world, from the Queen's famous summer garden parties to the mysterious world of the Privy Council and high-profile overseas tours. But little is widely known about the inner workings of the institution that lies at the very heart of the British nation. Few people appreciate just how hard the now over 80 years old Queen works, and just what amazing value for money is our monarchy which has had no cost increase since 1991. He emphasised its importance to our Constitution. He compared us to other stable and mature democracies  e.g. Scandinavia who have monarchies, but who operate nowhere near as effectively and economically as our Monarchy.

 

He is pictured here with Jacob Rees-Mogg, Conservative candidate for North East Somerset, at the next General Election.