Trying to insert a romance where it isn’t needed was unnecessary.Įveryone survives World War II and Elizabeth is now eighteen and has been keen on Prince Phillip of Greece for some time. I’m not sure why this kind-of sort-of flirtation is put in the book, because it adds nothing to the story.
There’s also a weird not-explored subplot involving Tommy Lascelles, who was the king’s right-hand man, sot-to speak. There are appearances in the book by Eleanor Roosevelt and Ambassador Joe Kennedy and his family, including a meal where JFK and Princess Margaret are thick as thieves. Crawfie knows what important work she is doing, yet constantly feels the need to threaten to quit and go back to Scotland. The years pass and Crawfie still dreams of teaching in the slums while showing her young charges how the ordinary world is by taking them on the underground, trying to join a Girls’ Guide group, and more. It’s Crawfie’s job to smooth things over.
Crawfie has to cede some of her lesson time to experts on more parliamentary procedures, and Margaret Rose acts out because of the special treatment Elizabeth receives. Now Elizabeth is second in line to the throne of England. Wallis Simpson, King Edward VIII as he was known, promptly abdicates in favor of his brother, Bertie, less than a year into his reign. Sadly, this idyllic setting only lasts for a short while because of the twit-head Prince of Wales, David, who doesn’t really want to be king. After what seems like a long time, Crawfie, as the family calls her, finds time to teach the girls not only their sums and writing, but glimpses of the world outside palace gates. There are constant interruptions for dance lessons, portrait sittings, and trips to the country. Marion struggles to get the girls on a schedule that includes learning. This opens the door to work for the Yorks. She’s the best pupil in her teaching school, and the opportunity arises for her to teach The Duchess of York’s sister’s children. What Marion really wants to do is work in the slums of Edinburgh, Scotland, which is where she is from. Marion Crawford was something of a radical feminist, getting involved with a young Communist, Valentine. The Royal Governess was not at all what I expected at the beginning. She puts her private life on hold until released from royal service following Princess Elizabeth’s marriage in 1947.” But being beloved governess and confidante to the Windsor family has come at a cost. Afterwards, she is there when Elizabeth first sets eyes on Philip. During the war, as Hitler’s Heinkels fly over Windsor, she shelters her charges in the castle dungeons (not far from where the Crown Jewels are hidden in a biscuit tin).
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