Historian Anna Keay Appointed for Queen Elizabeth II Biography

Historian Anna Keay has been appointed to write the first official biography of Queen Elizabeth II, granting her unprecedented access to the late monarch's private papers and marking a significant opening of the Royal Archives. The announcement, made by Buckingham Palace, comes nearly two years after the queen's death in September 2022 at age 96, following her 70-year reign as Britain's longest-serving sovereign.

Keay, a respected author and chief executive of the Landmark Trust, will begin reviewing the materials in September 2022. The archives include personal letters, documents and records that have remained sealed to the public, offering insights into the queen's private reflections, relationships and decision-making processes during key historical periods. She will also conduct interviews with members of the royal family, the queen's friends and former household staff to compile a comprehensive account.

The project stems from a deliberate choice by King Charles III, who reportedly sought a female historian for the role. Keay, known for her work on British history, including the award-winning book "The Restless Republic: Britain Without a Crown," which explores the nation's...