Alex Jennings, who plays the Duke of Windsor in Netflix’s The Crown, narrates the audio version of The Crown: The Official Companion. Listen to an exclusive excerpt of his reading here!

About ‘The Crown: The Official Companion’ by Robert Lacey

The official companion to the Emmy-winning Netflix drama chronicling the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, and starring Claire Foy and John Lithgow, The Crown by Peter Morgan, featuring additional historical background and beautifully reproduced archival photos and show stills.

Elizabeth Mountbatten never expected her father to die so suddenly, so young, leaving her with a throne to fill and a global institution to govern. Crowned at 25, she was already a wife and mother as she began her journey toward becoming a queen.

As Britain lifted itself out of the shadow of war, the new monarch faced her own challenges. Her mother doubted her marriage; her uncle-in-exile derided her abilities; her husband resented the sacrifice of his career and family name; and her rebellious sister embarked on a love affair that threatened the centuries-old links between the Church and the Crown. This is the story of how Elizabeth II drew on every ounce of resolve to ensure that the Crown always came out on top.

Written by the show’s historical consultant, royal biographer Robert Lacey, and filled with beautifully reproduced archival photos and show stills, The Crown: The Official Companion: Volume 1 adds expert and in-depth detail to the events of the series, painting an intimate portrait of life inside Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street. Here is Elizabeth II as we’ve never seen her before.

Exclusive ‘The Crown: The Official Companion’ clip narrated by Alex Jennings

Hypable’s review of The Crown: The Official Companion audiobook said, “I especially love when he reads excerpts from The New York Times. Jennings dons his best American accent — which is very accurate — and puts on an entirely new character for listeners to enjoy.”

This exclusive clip showcases that American accent and offers fans an example of all the historical insights the book has to offer. Listen to the clip below and read Hypable’s full review of the audiobook here.