The Little Princesses

The Story of the Queen's Childhood by Her Nanny, Marion Crawford

By: Marion Crawford, Jennie Bond - foreword

Narrated by: Sophie Roberts

Originally published in 1950, The Little Princesses was the first account of British Royal life inside Buckingham Palace as revealed by Marion Crawford, who served as governess to princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.

A 22-year-old teacher recruited to look after the Duke and Duchess of York's young daughters in 1931, Marion Crawford - affectionately known as "Crawfie" by her charges - spent 16 years with the Royal family as the children's governess. From King Edward VIII's abdication of the throne in order to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson and King George VI's subsequent crowning and all the way to Elizabeth's courtship and marriage to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Crawfie's memoir offers an intimate and revelatory perspective of Elizabeth and Margaret's childhood during one of the most momentous eras in British history.

Initially honored as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order for her loyal service to the crown, Crawfie was later demonized by the press and ostracized by the royal family for the rest of her life as a result of The Little Princesses' publication. When compared to the modern media's relentless obsession with the House of Windsor, Crawfie's touching account of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret's youth presents a poignant reminder of how much life has changed for the British Royals.

©1950 the executors of the late Marion Crawford; Foreword copyright 2002 by Jennie Bond (P)2021 Tantor

LOVED IT! So charming..

I enjoyed this book so much. It was so well written. I loved learning about the princesses individual personalities as children and then as they matured into young ladies, how close this little family of four truly was, and just how very normal they were raised to be, even given their Royal lineage.

I also thought the narrator. She was one of the best I’ve ever listen to. It was just like Crawfi was talking to each of us personally. Lovely voice and rhythm. (I purchased on Ebay a first edition copy of the actual book so that I could see all the wonderful pictures.)
Also, I am really glad that I had read Lady Colin Campbell‘s book about the Queen Mother first, so I that I understood just how manipulative the Queen Mother really could be and the role she (QM) played in Marion’s feeling free to share/publish her story about her time with the royal family in the first place, and then her (QM) role in the subsequent banishment, and complete ostracization of this very loyal women who gave so much of herself, and her life, even putting off her own marriage for more than 5 years, so that she could continue to care for the young princesses, during the war, so that the King and Queen could carry on with their great war efforts and not worry about the children care.

So I just thought it unthinkable the later treatment of her, given how much Crawfi did for the royal family and yet, after the publication of this book, they never had anything to do with her ever again, ever, for the rest of her life. I felt so sorry for her, so saddened by their abandonment of this dear women.

Anyway, I enjoyed this book immensley, but I was just so saddened, knowing how it ended for Crawfi. Of course, I think had the queen mother not been so controlling of a person, both Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret probably would have eventually, at some point, reconnected and could’ve had such a lovely and enduring relationship as they shared so much history together.

But, I am so thankful that Crawfi wrote this charming book as we are all so enriched by having received such a glimpse into their personal world.

Delightful story!

Marion Crawford was so blessed to take on such an interesting position at a young age. Her accounts of the royal family offer up a beautiful picture of an idyllic childhood (for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret) within a family filled with love.

It’s so sad that the royal family ostracized Crawford after the release of this book, for I think it portrays the entire family in a very positive and “real” way.

Good!

Provides real insight and detail about the childhoods of QEII and Princess Margaret. Reads as a very honest yet positive portrayal of both girls with emphasis on their unique talents and characters. It’s easy to see the great Queen in the character of the little Lilibet. Loved it.

The narrator was excellent.

Sorry the RF are such SNOBS!!

There was absolutely nothing misplaced in this narrative: it's most complimentary to the RF. That they took such umbrage to it and the author only displays what shallow people they are!! They act as if they truly are "GODS' among us and that they deserve only our Reverence. I am most pleased that I am NOT a Brit citizen who must honor them.

Sweet Story, Excellent Narrator

I've been interested in the royal family for several years. This book has been on my TBR list for a while, so when I saw it available through the Audible Plus program, I downloaded it immediately. The story of the two princesses growing up is really vert sweet. There isn't anything outrageous or scandalous revealed but it is still very interesting, nonetheless. The narrator's tone & accent seems very posh, which I felt really brought the people & the era to life. Overall, this was a great listen.

The Beginnig of My Interest on the Royal Family

I am 83 years old and I read The Little Princesses when I was 13. I found it so fascinating that from there on my interest on the British Royal Family continued through my whole life. This second reading has been very enjoyable. It was very well written in a way that made me think about the Royal family and specially about Queen Elizabeth, as If they were actually personally known by me., almost like neighbors. The description of the Queen ‘s personality and manners through her childhood years made my constant admiration of her life grow and continue to the end.

positive insight

this author was very good about presenting the positive sides of the princesses. I don't understand the hostility of the royals. I mean, she have requested permission....however, to shun her like they did when she put her life on hold for the girls and this family for stories that were positive. I'm not getting it. Great book! makes me feel like the royals back then were a just your average person with compassion.

Absolutely Charming!

I love this book!! It takes you into a very private world that made me love QEII even more! There are some unexpected facts some incredibly charming and others quite sad. I am an avid reader with tastes from Shakespeare to Agatha Christie, Jane Austin, the Bronte sisters…too many authors to name. Categories to include Medical History, Western Civilization, European history, Art History, Medical, Christianity , Christian Self Help, Pub Quiz, Classic Poetry, Psychology, Science, Subliminal Relaxation, Medical Journals…. and sooo many more … and charming little jewels with a cup of tea like this one! I definitely recommend it 11 out of 10. Especially as it was written so close in time to the to the information it covered lending itself to authenticity. I’m so glad we have this after losing our precious Queen Elizabeth II. It saddens me that there was no coming together of Crawfy and the Queen latter in life as it is a beautiful story of a beautiful family. Nothing salacious mostly just beautiful memories of someone who loved the RF very much. Since the Queen gave her dresser permission to write several books about their relationship I wonder if the Queen Mum was the one to put her “foot down” regarding Crawfey’s book… or if the Queen had a softening towards certain staff writing about the RF. I’m definitely glad she never lived to read her own grandchild’s book of cruel betrayal. Crawfy’s book recalling a loving family of a different era is incredibly different than that other book I’m sure would have broken her heart. So read this lovely book instead. Filled with detailed stories of a different world by a woman who truly loved the RF to the very end.

Salacious! Entertaining read

As a nanny for VIP myself, I could never imagine writing a tell-all like the Queen’s nanny has done here! It’s pretty colorful, and interesting. Would recommend even if you aren’t particularly interested in the Royal family.

Treacle

My book club picked "The Royal Governess" which didn't appeal and since I couldn't borrow it, I thought my money would be better spent on the source material.

The contradiction between the titular plural Little Princesses and singular Queen's Childhood of the subtitle is indicative of the disconnect between this fawning account and reality.

Crawford's maundering does provide some insight into the phenomena of the royal family, but I suspect a fictional account would have been more informative to someone interested in the subject.