As Elizabeth II prepares to become Britain’s longest ever reigning monarch, we explore the lives of some of the country’s most fascinating queens, princesses and consorts. Through a compilation of the best articles from BBC History Magazine, plus several new pieces, we offer you a fresh perspective on female royals from the Roman era until the present day.

Inside you will find: ◆ Biographies of famous queens ◆ The inside story of Henry VIII’s wives ◆ A new appraisal of Elizabeth II ◆ The remarkable stories of Princess Diana and Kate Middleton