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6. The Private Monarch

When "off-duty", the Queen enjoyed leading the life of a countrywoman well away from Buckingham Palace. And as James Naughtie explains, her Christian faith also mattered to her.

As head of state, the Queen's role and responsibilities ensured she was seldom out of public view. But when "off-duty", she was seldom happier than when leading the life of a countrywoman, enjoying the company of dogs and horses. She was also a particularly stalwart supporter of horse racing as an owner and breeder, a passion she shared with other royal families around the world. And there was another aspect of her private life that provided her with much of the ballast she needed: her Christian faith. In the latest episode of Radio 4's new podcast on the life of Elizabeth II, James Naughtie focuses on the Queen's less public life.

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13 minutes

Podcast