During the childhood years of Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most famous women who ever lived, a young governess helped shape her into the icon the world knows today.
In 1933, twenty-two-year-old Marion Crawford accepts the role of a lifetime, tutoring the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. Her one stipulation to their parents is that she bring some doses of normalcy into their sheltered and privileged lives.
At Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral, Marion defies stuffy protocol to take the princesses on tube trains, swimming at public baths, and on joyful Christmas shopping trips at Woolworth’s. From her ringside seat at the heart of the British monarchy she witnesses the trauma of the Abdication, the glamour of the Coronation, the onset of World War II. She steers the little princesses through it all, as close as a mother.
As Hitler’s planes fly over Windsor, she shelters her charges in the castle dungeons (not far from where the Crown Jewels are hidden in a biscuit tin). Afterwards, she is present when Elizabeth first sets eyes on Philip, her future husband.
But being beloved confidante to the Windsor family comes at huge personal cost. Marriage, children, her own views: all are compromised by proximity to royal glory. In this majestic story of love, sacrifice and allegiance, bestselling novelist Holden brings to life the early years before Queen Elizabeth II became monarch.
“This captivating page-turner whisks readers back in time to Buckingham Palace in 1933…A majestic story that delves into the incredible life of Queen Elizabeth II before she took her place on the throne.”—Woman’s World
During the childhood years of Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most famous women who ever lived, a young governess helped shape her into the icon the world knows today.
In 1933, twenty-two-year-old Marion Crawford accepts the role of a lifetime, tutoring the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. Her one stipulation to their parents is that she bring some doses of normalcy into their sheltered and privileged lives.
At Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral, Marion defies stuffy protocol to take the princesses on tube trains, swimming at public baths, and on joyful Christmas shopping trips at Woolworth’s. From her ringside seat at the heart of the British monarchy she witnesses the trauma of the Abdication, the glamour of the Coronation, the onset of World War II. She steers the little princesses through it all, as close as a mother.
As Hitler’s planes fly over Windsor, she shelters her charges in the castle dungeons (not far from where the Crown Jewels are hidden in a biscuit tin). Afterwards, she is present when Elizabeth first sets eyes on Philip, her future husband.
But being beloved confidante to the Windsor family comes at huge personal cost. Marriage, children, her own views: all are compromised by proximity to royal glory. In this majestic story of love, sacrifice and allegiance, bestselling novelist Holden brings to life the early years before Queen Elizabeth II became monarch.
“This captivating page-turner whisks readers back in time to Buckingham Palace in 1933…A majestic story that delves into the incredible life of Queen Elizabeth II before she took her place on the throne.”—Woman’s World
Wendy Holden is a British novelist of comedies of manners. She's authored ten Sunday Times top ten bestsellers and has sold over three million copies worldwide.
"A beautifully woven and exquisitely detailed story of strong
upstairs/downstairs women whose lives entwine during some of the
most significant periods of modern British history. . . a novel
that will stand the test of time. I loved it."—Heather Morris, New
York Times bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, on The
Royal Governess
"An intimate view of the royal family at a time of great
uncertainty and change, The Royal Governess is a beautifully
written and richly detailed piece of historical fiction. Marion
Crawford's dedication to her charges, as well as her passion for
education and reform, shines through the pages. Through her eyes,
the reader is transported back in time and thoroughly immersed in
the lives of the British royal family. A delightful read!"—Chanel
Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Train to Key
West
“Wendy Holden absolutely delivers in this perfect blend of story
and history. The Royal Governess is a fabulous read for not only
devotees of period fiction and the British Royals, but anyone with
a hunger for a well-crafted tale. Lovers of The Crown will
adore this!”—Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Last Year of
the War
“A moving, gorgeously written page-turner. We peek behind the
Windsors’ swagged silk curtains--the insider details are a total
delight--but the story's beating heart belongs to the devoted royal
governess, Crawfie. Holden takes the reader on a glittering,
unforgettable journey.”—Eve Chase, author of The Daughters of
Foxcote Manor
"This is a warm and often witty work of biographical historical
fiction that deftly weaves fact with imagination into an engaging
tale of life behind the palace walls. Fans of the genre and of the
British royals will find it absolutely delightful."—Booklist
"Spirited, virtually clockwork enjoyment, humanizing the Windsor
world through the death of two kings, the ordeal of an abdication
and the very real dangers of a world war."—The Washington Post
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