Stephen Bates was the royalty and religion correspondent of The Guardian for 12 years. Neither subject figures highly in that paper’s priorities but their ­bracketing together might suggest an implicit recognition of the spiritual and mystical dimension of monarchy. But, disappointingly, this aspect of royalty is not deeply explored in Bates’ study. As its subtitle suggests, his focus is on the branding of the monarchy and the bulk of the book is made up of contemporary reportage with frequent historical digressions. It makes for an entertaining if not hugely original read.The monarchy’s religious aspect is touched on in an interesting chapter entitled “A sphere beyond politics” which underlines the Queen’s own deep faith and her interest in church