6. The Private Monarch

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.