Queen's Childhood Story by Nanny Crawfie - Royal Biography for History Lovers

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.