The Best of Vanity Fair

The Royals

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THE ODDEST COUPLESeptember 2003 Edward VIII's decision to abdicate the throne and marry Wallis Simpson was one of the British monarchy's most shocking scandals—not to mention one of the 20th century's strangest love stories. Assessing more recent revelations, V.F. presents a kinky, if cryptic, look at what bound the Duchess of Windsor to her duke—and her other suitors. By JAMES FOX p. 6

LOVE AND MAJESTYJanuary 2012 When a teenage Princess Elizabeth met Prince Philip of Greece, it was a dynastic love match. In an adaptation from a biography of Elizabeth II, V.F. chronicles the ups and downs of a princess's fairy-tale romance and the marital struggles of a Queen. By SALLY BEDELL SMITH P. 14

THE PRINCESS AND THE PHOTOGRAPHERFebruary 2009 It began like something out of a fable: a gentleman portraitist's charmed courtship of the Queen's glamorous younger sister. But V.F. explores how a clash of wills ultimately doomed the mismatched couple. By ANNE DE COURGY p. 28

THE MOUSE THAT ROAREDOctober 1985 In the early years of her marriage, Princess Diana underwent an astonishing transformation, from a meek 20-year-old who radiated naivete to the majestic, fashion-forward woman who could work any crowd. By TINA BROWN P. 40

DIANAS REVENGEFebruary 1993 When Diana and Charles separated, the princess refused to play by the Windsor rules. V.F. looks back at the threat that a scorned woman posed to the British monarchy, in one of its most unpopular, turbulent times. By ANTHONY HOLDEN P. 48

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DIANA REBORNJuly 1997 On the eve of a charity auction of royal gowns, Princess Diana, in a VF. exclusive, posed—just months before her tragic death—for photographer Mario Testino. By CATHY HORYN P. 58

THE LAST ICONJune 2002 Marking Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, her official biographer shed new light on an extraordinary reign: the intimate weekly meetings with prime ministers from Churchill to Blair, the quiet triumphs of leadership, and the tragedies behind palace doors. By WILLIAM SHAWCROSS P. 68

CHARLES AND CAMILLA, TOGETHER AT LASTDecember 2005 After vowing she'd never give an interview, the newly married Camilla Parker Bowles granted VF. unprecedented access to family and friends, providing a glimpse into her life with Prince Charles over the years. By BOB COLACELLO P. 32

TYING THAT WINDSOR KNOTMay 2011 Though Prince William and Kate Middleton kept their wedding details quiet, VF. got the scoop from Palace insiders (plus a moment with the bride-to-be) for a bachelor-partyto-bridal-bouquet rundown as the couple embarked on their official life together. By KATIE NICHOLL P. 92

CURIOUS ABOUT GEORGEOctober 2013 After Prince William and his duchess introduced their son to the world, on July 23, 2013, the real excitement began. Kate Middleton's biographer delivers a behind-thescenes look at H.R.H. Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge's first weeks. By KATIE NICHOLL P. 104

Et Cetera

CONTRIBUTORS 123

FAMILY ALBUM 128