By Maureen Boyd

May 27, 2026

Ottawa-born Eliza Reid was studying international relations at Oxford University when she met an Icelandic student named Guðni Th. Jóhannesson. They married, made a life in Iceland, and in 2016, Jóhannesson was elected president of the Nordic island nation, where she served as first lady from 2016 to 2024. Policy contributor Maureen Boyd recently reviewed Reid’s latest book, The First Lady Next Door: A Canadian’s Memoir of Iceland, Identity, and Unexpected Adventure. Here’s that review:  ‘The First Lady Next Door’: Notes from an ‘Incredibly Weird’ Job.   

Boyd and Reid chatted by email for Policy Books.

Maureen Boyd: Much of your book deals with finding your voice and creating opportunities from unforeseen events. You did that when you became first lady of Iceland in 2016 and again after leaving that role in 2024. You wrote that your husband ‘would return to his beloved world of academia’ but you questioned what work you would do next. Can you give us an update?

Eliza Reid: I feel that I am just as busy now in the post-first lady world as I was before — except I don’t put on makeup as often. I have written this book since serving, and just finished my second murder mystery, which will be published next year. I have been doing a lot of public speaking for both public and private sector organizations on topics such as making the most of unexpected opportunities and storytelling for change.

MB: As former first lady, what do you consider to be your legacy?

ER: The role of first lady of Iceland isn’t one where you start a foundation, write policy papers, or fundraise millions of dollars. I was very active with numerous charities and other activities as first lady, but when I was first asked this question, I felt some pressure to think of the “big” achievements. And then I realized that is exactly the point: I didn’t change the world serving as first lady … but I did do my part to nudge things in the right direction, to make the most of the opportunity I had been given. And isn’t that really what all of us should be endeavouring to do?

MB: With the benefit of hindsight, is there anything you wish you had done differently during your time as First Lady?

ER: I tend not to live with regrets, so nothing huge leaps to mind, though I am sure there are many things I could have done better. Perhaps it would have been better to speak up even earlier when I didn’t agree with approaches or decisions that were being made. But overall, I’m happy with how I did.

MB: As the spouse of a career diplomat, there was a lot that I missed when our postings ended, including — on the lighter side — not having to cook and clean up after dinner parties. What do you miss the most about your former life?

ER: I like to joke that it’s certainly slower travelling through airports now. Other than that, I suppose it’s seeing my former colleagues from the president’s office and the residence on such a regular basis.

Maureen Boyd, C.M., served as a diplomatic spouse in multiple postings around the world. She has worked in politics, media, at Rideau Hall, and in government.