The Little Princesses Paperback – Import, January 1, 2003

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.

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.

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.

Good book. Very interesting. I enjoyed it.

The media could not be loaded.  Book delivered is used, badly thumbed and marked with pen.

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.

My mother loved this book. Recommended reading

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