USA Today’s Susan Page on Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy [Extended Interview]

In this extended interview, USA Today's Susan Page discusses her book 'The Queen and Her Presidents,' exploring Queen Elizabeth II's enduring legacy as a master of soft power and quiet diplomacy across seven decades of global transformation. Page reveals previously unreported anecdotes, including a private phone call from the Queen to Donald Trump after the controversial leak of British ambassador memos, where she subtly conveyed her disapproval without direct criticism. She highlights how the Queen, despite lacking formal political power, wielded immense influence through personal relationships with American presidents—from Reagan and Obama to Clinton and Nixon—often smoothing diplomatic tensions behind the scenes. Page emphasizes the Queen’s unique ability to navigate shifting world orders, from the decline of the British Empire to the rise of the U.S. as a global leader, while maintaining dignity and emotional intelligence. The conversation also touches on pivotal moments like the Suez Crisis, the Falklands War, and the Queen’s complex relationship with Jimmy Carter, whose accidental lip kiss became a lasting point of personal offense. Ultimately, Page argues that the enduring fascination Americans have with the monarchy stems from a deep psychological kinship with Britain, rooted in shared history and identity, even as the U.S. prides itself on independence.