The Little Princesses

The Little Princesses offers a first-hand account of the early lives of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret from their former governess, Marion Crawford. Crawford served as governess to the princesses from 1933 to 1947, documenting their education, daily routines, and experiences growing up in the British royal household. The book provides details about the princesses' wartime experiences at Windsor Castle during WWII, their relationships with family members, and the preparation of Elizabeth for her future role as Queen. Crawford's position granted her unique access to observe pivotal moments in the sisters' development, including their interactions with staff, dignitaries, and extended family. The narrative covers the period leading up to Princess Elizabeth's marriage to Philip Mountbatten, offering context about the changing dynamics within the royal family during this time. Crawford's observations extend beyond the palace walls to include the princesses' encounters with the public and their gradual understanding of their roles in British society. This memoir transcends basic biography by examining themes of duty, privilege, and the balance between public responsibilities and private life within the British monarchy. The author's perspective reveals the complexities of raising children in the royal spotlight while maintaining normalcy and proper preparation for their future roles.

Readers appreciate Crawford's intimate, firsthand account of Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret's childhood years, with many noting the book provides unique insights into the royal family's private life during the 1930s and 40s. The details about daily routines, education, and family dynamics resonate with history enthusiasts. Criticism focuses on Crawford's decision to publish without royal permission, with some readers viewing it as a betrayal of trust. Several reviews mention the writing style feels dated and formal. A portion of readers expected more dramatic revelations rather than the gentle domestic observations provided. "Shows the princesses as real children, not just royal figures" - common theme in positive reviews "Too much focus on routine details" - frequent criticism Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (380+ ratings) Book Depository: 4/5 (200+ ratings) Most reviews acknowledge Crawford's unique position as governess while debating whether she should have shared these private stories.

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🏰 Marion Crawford (nicknamed "Crawfie") spent 17 years as governess to Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, making her one of the longest-serving members of their childhood household. 👑 The book's 1950 publication caused a massive scandal, as it broke the unwritten code of royal servant confidentiality. The Queen Mother never spoke to Crawford again, and she was ostracized from royal circles. 📚 Despite the controversy, the book became an international bestseller and was serialized in American newspapers, offering the public their first intimate glimpse of the princesses' private lives. 🎭 The book reveals how the young princesses performed plays and pantomimes during World War II to raise money for the Queen's Wool Fund, which supplied yarn to make comforts for British troops. 🏡 Crawford lived in a grace-and-favor apartment at Kensington Palace until the book's publication, after which she was forced to leave. She named her subsequent home "Glanrafon," Welsh for "Bank of the River Crawfie."