Royal Sisters: Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret

Royal Sisters examines the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret throughout their lives. Their bond was shaped by the abdication crisis of 1936, which thrust their family unexpectedly into the direct line of succession. The book traces their early years growing up together at 145 Piccadilly and later Windsor Castle during WWII. Edwards draws from interviews and historical records to chronicle their diverging paths - Elizabeth's preparation for the throne and Margaret's search for purpose as the "spare." The sisters' adult years brought new complexities to their relationship as they navigated romance, duty, and the constraints of their royal positions. Their story spans decades of British history and social change, from the post-war period through the modernization of the monarchy. At its core, this dual biography explores themes of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the weight of royal responsibility. Through Elizabeth and Margaret's experiences, Edwards illustrates the eternal tension between personal desires and public obligations within the British royal family.

Readers found this royal biography engaging but uneven. Many noted Edwards' deep research and intimate details about the sisters' relationship, particularly during their early years. Positives from reviews: - Clear portrayal of the contrasts between Elizabeth and Margaret's personalities and paths - Strong coverage of their childhood and wartime experiences - Inclusion of personal letters and diary entries - Balanced treatment of both sisters Common criticisms: - Second half becomes more tabloid-like and sensational - Too much focus on Margaret's romances - Some historical inaccuracies noted by royal experts - Repetitive passages and uneven pacing Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (240+ ratings) Multiple readers mentioned the book works better as a study of sisterhood than as a royal biography. One Goodreads reviewer wrote: "The early chapters showing their bond during WWII were fascinating, but it lost focus when covering their adult years."

Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters by Andrew Morton. The book reveals private correspondence and insider accounts of the complex relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret throughout their lives.

The Last Queen: Elizabeth II's Seventy Year Battle to Save the House of Windsor by Clive Irving. The text examines Queen Elizabeth II's life-long work to protect the monarchy while navigating family conflicts and public scrutiny.

Princess Margaret: A Life Unravelled by Tim Heald. Drawing from interviews with friends and palace insiders, this biography chronicles Princess Margaret's struggles within the constraints of royal duty.

The Little Princesses by Marion Crawford. This memoir by Elizabeth and Margaret's governess presents first-hand observations of the sisters' early life and education within palace walls.

The Queen Mother: The Official Biography by William Shawcross. The book provides context for Elizabeth and Margaret's upbringing through the story of their mother's influence on the royal family dynamics.

🏰 Despite being close in age and sharing a privileged upbringing, Elizabeth and Margaret had distinctly different personalities - Elizabeth was dutiful and reserved, while Margaret was known for being vivacious and rebellious. 👑 Author Anne Edwards conducted extensive research for this book, including interviews with members of the royal household and access to previously unpublished letters and diaries. 💕 The sisters' relationship fundamentally changed after Elizabeth became heir presumptive in 1936, following their uncle Edward VIII's abdication - Margaret went from being equal in status to becoming a subject of her sister. 📚 Anne Edwards is an accomplished royal biographer who has written about several prominent figures, including Vivien Leigh, Judy Garland, and Maria Callas. 💝 The book reveals how Elizabeth, as Queen, was forced to deny Margaret permission to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend in 1955 - a decision that affected their relationship for years to come.