Win a signed copy of When Marilyn Met the queen

For our NEW Retro Collectors’ Edition – Marilyn: Her Life In Pictures – we’ve teamed up with author and Marilyn Monroe expert, Michelle Morgan, to bring you a retrospective of the actresses life and career.

Her story, from humble beginnings to her tragic death, continues to captivate, and this fascinating A-Z guide explores both her catalogue of work and troubled life. Alongside insights from her films, we look at the experiences that helped shape her, the relationships that sustained her – and those that crushed her.

Packed with stunning, rarely seen photos, we also explore Marilyn’s continuing influence as a style icon and why she remains one of the most recognised women in history. Although she died more than 60 years ago she remains a global symbol of beauty and glamour.

Michelle Morgan is a dedicated Marilyn fan and something of an expert, having researched the actress’ life extensively and written more books about the star than any other author, including her latest book, When Marilyn Met the Queen (Little Brown, RRP £10.99), which focuses on a fascinating and little known period in Marilyn’s life – her only visit to the UK.

In July 1956 when Marilyn Monroe arrived in London, on honeymoon with her husband Arthur Miller, to make The Sleeping Prince (later released as The Prince and the Showgirl) with Laurence Olivier. When the couple arrived at London Airport, they were looking forward to a peaceful stay. Marilyn would work during the day at Pinewood Studios, while Arthur would write. Then, in the evening, the couple would be able to relax together in their private English country cottage. It didn’t quite turn out that way.

When filming began, it was a disaster and Marilyn grew to hate Olivier with a passion; the feeling was mutual. She found herself torn between settling into married life, being a curiosity for the frequently hostile British press, and her work on The Prince and the Showgirl. She took solace in small acts of kindness from members of the public, and a new fascination with Queen Elizabeth. Marilyn made a point of adopting some of the Queen’s favourite brands, buying gloves from Cornelia James, perfume from Floris, and switching from Chanel No. 5 to Yardley’s Lavender. Marilyn made a point of asking the film’s PR manager to add a royal meeting to her schedule, but each day Olivier would delete the request.

Michelle Morgan describes Marilyn’s trip to late-1950s’ Britain in evocative detail, exploring the making of the film alongside the film star’s troubled private life and her quest to meet the Queen.

To celebrate the launch of our NEW Retro Collectors’ Edition – Marilyn: Her Life In Pictures we’re also able to offer copies of Michelle’s book, When Marilyn Met The Queen, to four lucky readers. For your chance to win simply enter your details in the form below before the closing date June 8, 2023.

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T&C’s: Entries close June 8, 2023. This competition is open to UK residents aged 16 and over. There are 4 prizes consisting of 1 signed copy of When Marilyn Met THe Queen. The winners will be drawn at random from all valid entries after the closing date and notified by email. The winner has 30 days to respond before an alternative winner is chosen. This prize may be offered in a limited number of other promotions. No purchase is necessary. Full terms and conditions can be found here.