Louis Greig, a war hero and rugby international, entered the privileged world of the British royal family as mentor, physician and friend to a young and hesitant Prince Albert, the man who became King George VI and whose challenges were so vividly brought to life in the award winning film, The King's Speech.

Greig's influence helped to guide the prince from a stammering, shy schoolboy to become one of the most respected constitutional monarchs, seeing the nation through the Second World War and bringing the monarchy closer to the people.

Geordie Greig, grandson of Louis Greig, has drawn on private family papers and public archives to reveal an intimate friendship which lasted almost half a century.

Previously published as Louis and the Prince by Hodder and Stoughton.