The Final Curtsey

The Final Curtsey is a memoir by Margaret Rhodes, first cousin and close friend to Queen Elizabeth II. Rhodes provides her firsthand account of life within the British royal family's inner circle during the 20th century. As a member of the Scottish nobility and daughter of the 16th Lord Elphinstone, Rhodes witnessed major historical events from a unique vantage point, including the abdication crisis of 1936 and the coronation of Elizabeth II. Her wartime experiences working in MI6 and her role as lady-in-waiting to the Queen Mother add additional dimensions to her royal narrative. The memoir offers insights into the private personas of the royal family members and illuminates the traditions, protocols, and daily rhythms of life within Britain's most prestigious household. Rhodes' position as both family member and royal servant allows her to bridge multiple perspectives in her account. This personal history serves as both a royal chronicle and a meditation on duty, privilege, and the evolution of the monarchy through decades of social change. Rhodes' dual status as insider and observer provides a distinctive lens through which to view these intersecting themes.

Readers describe this as an intimate but restrained memoir that offers glimpses into royal life through the Queen's cousin and close friend. The book maintains a respectful tone while sharing personal anecdotes about the royal family. Liked: - First-hand accounts of significant historical moments - Details about life at Windsor Castle during WWII - Personal photographs and family stories - Author's modest and straightforward writing style Disliked: - Too brief at 160 pages - Limited depth on major events - Overly cautious with personal details - Some repetitive passages Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (400+ ratings) Reader Quote: "A quick, pleasant read that feels like having tea with an elderly relative who knew the royals well but is too polite to gossip." - Goodreads reviewer Critics note the book prioritizes discretion over revelation, with one Amazon reviewer stating "She tells you just enough to be interesting without betraying any confidences."

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The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly Details the working relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and her personal assistant through behind-the-scenes stories of royal wardrobe decisions and daily palace life.

The Garter and the Stars by Lord Chamberlain Presents an insider's account of royal household operations and protocols from a former senior member of the Queen's staff.

The Final Choice by Pamela Hicks Recounts the author's experiences as lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II during the early years of her reign and life as Lord Mountbatten's daughter.

The Royals in Australia by Charles Morris Documents Queen Elizabeth II's royal tours and relationships with Australia through the perspective of palace staff and royal household members.

👑 Margaret Rhodes was not only Queen Elizabeth II's first cousin but also served as a Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen Mother from 1991 until the Queen Mother's death in 2002. 📖 The book's title refers to the last curtsey Margaret Rhodes performed to her cousin Elizabeth, who had become Queen, marking the formal end to their previously carefree relationship as childhood playmates. 🏰 During World War II, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret spent many weekends at Rhodes's family home, Birkhall, on the Balmoral estate, where they could escape the pressures of royal life. ⚔️ Rhodes worked in MI6 during World War II, serving in the top-secret department that oversaw Britain's code-breaking operations. 👶 The author was present at Westminster Abbey for three major royal events: the coronation of George VI (1937), the coronation of Elizabeth II (1953), and the funeral of the Queen Mother (2002).