Before anything else I was a woman who was capable of passion and who had a great need and a great desire for love.

Although some people think I am a romantic novelist I have always thought of myself as a rather gritty radical historian.

I have given my word that only death will take me from you.

But I don't forget and I don't forgive.

Just because one man calls him Allah and another calls him God is no reason for believers to be enemies.

I shall be dark and French and fashionable and difficult. And you shall be sweet and open and English and fair. What a pair we shall be! What man can resist us?

Yes, but either way, shamed or not, I shall be Queen of England, and this is the last time you will sit in my presence.