The Wisdom Of Queens

Few remember now, but the regally wrinkled Queen Elizabeth II was once called the World's Sweetheart. Trained for her role from birth by her parents and various tutors, she walked onto the world stage at age 25 fully equipped to do honor to her post. Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, entered the spotlight without a lifetime of preparation, but she seems open to learning how to play her part.

During Elizabeth's 60 years on the throne--the longest reign in the 1,000-year history of the British monarchy, save for Queen Victoria's--she has evolved from ingenue to wise grandmother. To maintain...