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The Little Princesses: The Story of the Queen's Childhood by Her Nanny, Marion Crawford Paperback – October 27, 2020

by Marion Crawford (Author), Jennie Bond (Foreword)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,598 ratings
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Originally published in 1950, The Little Princesses was the first account of British Royal life inside Buckingham Palace as revealed by Marion Crawford, who served as governess to princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.

A twenty-two year old teacher recruited to look after the Duke and Duchess of York’s young daughters in 1931, Marion Crawford―affectionately known as “Crawfie” by her charges―spent sixteen years with the Royal family as the children’s governess. From King Edward VIII’s abdication of the throne in order to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson and King George VI’s subsequent crowning, through World War II, and all the way to Elizabeth’s courtship and marriage to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Crawfie’s memoir offers an intimate and revelatory perspective of Elizabeth and Margaret’s childhood during one of the most momentous eras in British history.

Initially honored as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order for her loyal service to the crown, Crawfie was later demonized by the press and ostracized by the royal family for the rest of her life as a result of The Little Princesses’ publication. When compared to the modern media’s relentless obsession with the House of Windsor, Crawfie’s touching account of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret’s youth presents a poignant reminder of how much life has changed for the British Royals.

Includes Two 16-Page Inserts of Black-and-White Photographs

And an Introduction by Jennie Bond, BBC Royal Correspondent

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    St. Martin's Griffin
  4. Publication date
    October 27, 2020
  5. Dimensions
    5.54 x 0.75 x 8.23 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1250765757
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1250765758
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Comprises a sweet account of the girls’ life before and after the abdication that would irrevocably change their lives – and showcases the early foundations of their radically different characters." ―Vogue

"A truly one-of-a-kind perspective on the Queen’s formative years." ―Town & Country

"A fascinating period piece, as well as a treasure trove of beady little insights into the characters of two sharply contrasting sisters, written with a keen eye by the Royal servant who knew them best." ―Craig Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Ninety-Nine Glimpses of Princess Margaret

"If you really want to find out the true story of the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, you must read this account. Written with affection, respect, and above all, love." ―Brian Hoey, distinguished Royal journalist and author of more than twenty books on the Royals including Not in Front of the Corgis

"It’s well worth a read to hear the details about taking care of a young Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret; the time they spent at Windsor Castle during WWII is especially interesting." ―Royal Central

About the Author

Marion Crawford, or "Crawfie," as she was known to young Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, was born in the Scottish countryside and studied teaching at the Moray House Training College in Edinburgh. In the early 1930s, she became governess to the daughters of the Duke and Duchess of York, little suspecting that she would devote the next sixteen years to nurturing her future Queen. Her account of life as a royal governess originally appeared in American magazines, but soon became a front-page sensation on both sides of the Atlantic. The first edition of The Little Princesses was published in 1950, and although it created a scandal, it was nonetheless a valuable social history and the first inside account of life at Buckingham Palace. Crawford died in 1988, having never been forgiven by the royal family for writing her book.

Jennie Bond has been following the Royal Family as the BBC’s Royal correspondent for thirteen years. In that time, she has covered many momentous events---among them, three marriage breakdowns, Camillagate, the Queen’s annus horribilis, and the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Bond has written two other books: Elizabeth: Fifty Glorious Years and Reporting Royalty: Behind the Scenes with the BBC’s Royal Correspondent.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Griffin (October 27, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250765757
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250765758
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.54 x 0.75 x 8.23 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,598 ratings

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Marion Crawford

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
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Some stains, yellowing, shelf aging on the book itself. Tattered dust jacket.
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Top reviews from the United States

Dr. Paul
5.0 out of 5 stars Charming, behind the walls, must read for any British royal fan
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2020
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Having heard of this book on several occasions, I finally decided to grab it (Kindle version) and have a read. Written by one of the nannies to Queen Elizabeth II, at the time, Princess Elizabeth, one is taken behind the palace gates and walls beginning in another time, under King George, the current Queen’s grandfather. Her parents were second, and highly unlikely to become anything more than second tier royals. Their young family was typical (for upper crust) and the young princess and her sister were destined for far simpler lives.

You’ll follow the story of how Marian “Crawfie” Crawford joined their household and ended up taking a ride throughout history. And arguably, helping shape and from the future monarch for her important role in world history. Little did that young girl know what lie ahead...

From her perspective you’ll be there through the princesses’ early years, life at 145 Piccadilly, the death of King George, the abdication of King Edward, and the assertion of her father into the highest role in the land at the dawn of a very frightening and dangerous age. From staying (somewhat) safe at Windsor through the marriage of the young princess Elizabeth to Prince Phillip, Crawfie was right there and shares it all.

This is a story told with love and admiration for “our family.” Crawfies’s insights are tender, caring, filled with love, and admiration for the family she so faithfully served. At times it’s overly saccharine, with an excess of blind faith and admiration. But it also shows how much this young woman felt about the family she served. And if she is to be believed, how much she was entrusted, respected, needed, and included with this family.

Much to her detriment. It’s interesting to see and learn how much this young and aging woman gave to this family and while they needed her, how much they expected her to give up in duty to them. One could argue they themselves gave up so much to their nation, so in turn, expecting her to give up was an honor and duty. Personal opinion and interpretation with rule the outcome of your read.

This story ends in the year or so following Queen Elizabeth’s marriage to Prince Phillip. At that time Crawfiew and her husband were still very much a respected part of the fold... but that would change. In contributing to an article and the eventual writing of this book would change this woman’s relationship with the royal family forever. It is said they never spoke to her again. So reading this book is not just about the history of this young and historic family, but a precursor to how life with the royals can work out. I’d suggest doing a little side research to understand.

I recommend this book as a great insight. If you’re a fan of the royals and/or admire the Queen, this is a must-read. A place to learn about the foundations of a woman who has given her life to her nation.
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Deborah Earle
5.0 out of 5 stars An Enchanting Account of Royal Childhoods
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2018
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It was to my dismay that this order, intended as a Mother's Day gift, arrived late.But happily, my Barbadian born Mum, a former subject of the British Crown (as is my Dad), was delighted to receive it. I read an earlier edition of this book when I was in High School. The newer edition features more photos, as well as an introduction by BBC journalist, Jennie Bond, who notes well how mild Crawford's 1950 revelations now seem in today's tabloid-influenced world. Crawford was born in Dunfermline, Scotland in 1909. It is noted that industrialist Andrew Carnegie was born there as well, and what the industrialist and royal nanny had in common was the early loss of a father, and determination to achieve their goals, but reaching the end of their lives with little or nothing due to what they voluntarily gave away, be that money, or their personal story. Crawford graduated from Moray House Training College, which was later the Alma Mater of Harry Potter affiliates J.K.Rowling, and Robbie Coltrane. Her degrees were in teaching and child psychology. Initially, she worked with poor children. But subsequently became the governess for the noble Elgin family who were descendants of Robert the Bruce. Ultimately, by way of a recommendation by Lady Rose Leveson-Gower, the sister of the Duchess of York, Crawford became the governess to the Duchess's two young daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret. We read a charming account of her first meeting with the future Queen when the little girl's stern nurse, Mrs. Knight(a.k.a. Alah), introduces the two while the preschooler is dressed for bed and pretending to drive a team of horses using the ends of her dressing gown sash. The future King George VI stated of his daughters that Elizabeth was his pride, and Margaret his joy.Crawford does bear witness to the budding personalities the world would later come to know--Elizabeth, the serious, more disciplined daughter, with the calm, diplomatic demeanor, and little Meg, witty, impetuous, and mischievous--personalities many believe the Queen's grandsons ,William and Harry now mirror. A chart listing the royal schooldays curriculum is featured, including the discussion of the ritual of elevenses--the pre-lunchtime snack break during which Crawford and her charges met many dignitaries. But we also learn of the challenges of maintaining a routine schedule when the girls had to make public appearances. Like any sisters, the two had their sisterly quarrels, which could become violent. An amusing anecdote involves Meg's imaginary friend, Cousin Halifax, on who she blamed many misdeeds. Their routine life is shattered by the death of King George V.A shadow falls on the pensive Elizabeth, who asked her beloved ,"Crawfie," if it was even appropriate to play. The child is encouraged to do so, and an amusing incident during the funeral procession makes that time more palatable for the little girl. Swimming lessons during the Abdication Crisis divert the girls' attention from the incident that alters little Lilibet's fate. Royal occasions are described. But all too soon, the war clouds gather. Crawfie's charges serve as Girl Guides, and during the early years of the Blitz, during which Buckingham Palace is bombed, Elizabeth makes her first radio broadcast to encourage the evacuee children in camps in the countryside at age 14. Crawfie also describes her emotional response during her dear Lilibet's confirmation into the Anglican Church. The household moves to Windsor Castle during the war years.Alah is reprimanded for refusing to allow the girls to hide in the dungeons to dodge the air raids unless they presented themselves correctly dressed, and that rule is rescinded. Wheras her mother nursed soldiers during World War I, Elizabeth bucked the wishes of her family and government to join the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps where she worked as a mechanic, but she slept each night at Windsor Castle for security reasons. We follow the family through VE Day,Elizabeth's courtship and marriage to Prince Phillip, and the birth of Prince Charles. After many years, Crawford was finally free to marry her longtime fiance, George Buthlay, whose alleged encouragement to write her memoirs resulted in the rift between her and her former charges that was never healed. It should be noted, however,that public figures are entitled to some privacy, and there is some justification for their feelings of betrayal. As much as it may have cost Marion Crawford to write this, I find it to be delightful and respectfully written historical document that affectionately humananizes one of the world's best-known families.
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tigerlily55
4.0 out of 5 stars Compelling look inside the palace walls
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2023
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I can completely un derstand the royals being furious about the book being published. At the same time I love to read "behind the scenes" stories.This book reveals nothing scandalous or derogatory about the king and queen and their children.

It sounds like GeorgeVI and Elizabeth tried to give the girls a somewhat normal life. Crawfie was a wonder woman starting a Girls Guide group and bringing the children into contact with girls and boys who were evacuees to keep them happy and less nervous during the war.

The status of the royals made them think that their servant/employee had no interests beyond serving them. The Queen said it wasn't a convenient time for Crawfie to leave when told about Crawfie's plans for the future. Good thing Crawfie stuck to her guns.
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Top reviews from other countries

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aida
5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr liebevolle Biographie
Reviewed in Germany on May 11, 2024
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Sehr liebevoll und informativ geschrieben. Deshalb kann ich verstehen, dass die Windsor-Family nicht amused war. Ich habe es voller Spannung gelesen. Aber,.....es ist nunmal üblich, dass das Personal dezent und verschwiegen ist. Wer royale Biographien liebt, kommt hier voll auf seine Kosten.
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Pete
5.0 out of 5 stars great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 28, 2023
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As a tour guide I got some superb int from this book which is well written and very sensitive. Recommended
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TSS
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
Reviewed in Spain on July 6, 2023
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My mother loved this book. Recommended reading
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marcella montanari
5.0 out of 5 stars Top
Reviewed in Italy on November 13, 2022
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Top per chi ama la storia inglese
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Too simple one
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in Canada on May 30, 2019
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Very interesting, light reading, historical
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