The Royal Governess

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Bestselling author Wendy Holden explores the formative childhood years of one of the world's most iconic figures, Queen Elizabeth II, focusing on the little-known governess who shaped her into the monarch we recognize today. In 1933, Marion Crawford, just twenty-two, takes on the role of tutor for Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. She insists on infusing some normalcy into their sheltered lives, defying court protocol to take the girls on tube trains, swimming at public baths, and festive shopping trips. From her unique vantage point within the British monarchy, Marion witnesses significant events such as the Abdication crisis and the glamour of the 1937 Coronation. During World War II, as danger looms, she protects her charges in the castle dungeons, close to where the Crown Jewels are hidden. She is also present when Elizabeth first meets Philip. However, being a beloved governess comes at a personal cost, as Marion sacrifices her own life until her royal service concludes with Elizabeth’s marriage in 1947. This poignant narrative of love, sacrifice, and loyalty sheds light on the years leading up to Queen Elizabeth II's reign, as depicted in the acclaimed series The Crown.