Marilyn Monroe's LONDON ADVENTURE

SHE WARRED WITH HER UPPITY CO-STAR, BUT REALIZED A LIFELONG DREAM WHEN SHE MET QUEEN ELIZABETH

- Louise A. Barile

London caught Marilyn Monroe fever in 1956 when the American bombshel l arrived to shoot The Prince and the Showgirl with Sir Laurence Olivier. Over the next four months, the press breathlessly reported sightings of Marilyn entering the studio, attending the theater with new husband, playwright Arthur Miller, and even meeting Queen Elizabeth II.

A recent book, When Marilyn Met the Queen, shares the story of the actress’ trip abroad. “Outside the studio, Marilyn seemed to be happy,” author Michelle Morgan tells Closer. “She often spoke to the fans outside her gate. She enjoyed watching cricket, cycling in the park, and shopping in London.”

Marilyn had married Arthur, her third husband, just weeks earlier. “They both thought of their visit as some kind of honeymoon,” says Morgan. “But it didn’t turn out that way. Marilyn had a film to make, and it was extremely stressful at times.”