Written with complete access to the Queen Mother's personal letters and diaries, this biography is the truly definitive account of this remarkable woman, whose life spanned the 20th century.

We have all seen press and TV pictures of winding lines of refugees in Africa or in Europe and felt that something must be done. In this book, the author reveals what lies behind decisions by the international community to intervene in a situation on humanitarian grounds, and what happens when the troops and aid agencies move in. It is a story of noble aspirations and often ignoble real politik.