King Charles is expected to appoint a female author to write the authorized biography of Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for more than 70 years, according to a royal source and major media reports. The author, Anna Keay, will have unrivalled access to the queen's private papers, according to major media. According to major media, a royal source described that King Charles wanted the commission to go to a woman and has chosen Anna Keay, whom he knows and trusts to do a thorough job.
The official announcement about the biography has not yet been made, and it is unclear when it will occur or whether other candidates were considered. Keay runs the Landmark Trust, a building conservation charity of which King Charles is patron, according to major media. She is a trustee of the Royal Collection Trust, according to major media.
Her husband is Simon Thurley, a friend of King Charles and chairman of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, according to major media. The financial terms of the commission and the expected publication date have not been disclosed, and it is unknown how long Keay will spend writing the biography.