I received this book from the publisher.

Marion Crawford is training to become a teacher. Her ultimate goal is to teach poor children. She receives an opportunity to work for a wealthy family in the summer. She accepts the job with the intent of returning to and finishing her teaching education. Her employers sing her praises to their friends, the Duke and Duchess of York.

The Duke and Duchess are looking for a governess for their daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret. As royals, the children have been sheltered from “normal” life. After learning of Marion, they ask her to take the position of governess. Marion begins working for the Duke and Duchess believing that she will only be in their employ temporarily.

In her position, she finds herself witnessing many private moments. Part of her job is to not gossip, to remain discrete. It is also expected that persons working for the royals were to remain unmarried thereby committing themselves wholly to the job.

At times Marion finds frustration in her role. As a young woman, she yearns for a romantic relationship. The men she meets view her as a way into the royal circle. She tries to show the princesses the life lived by commoners. While young, they are fascinated with shopping at Woolworth’s and cleaning their playhouse. As they grow, the princesses forget these simple joys.

The King dies and his son Edward becomes king. Not even a year into his rule, Edward VIII abdicates the throne leaving the Duke of York to be King. This massive change in circumstances seems the perfect time for Marion to leave service and return to private life. Will the King and Queen allow her to leave?

So much is written about the royal family. Wendy Holden has given a new and fresh look into the lives of the Windsors. While their lives can be tedious and difficult, those serving them are the ones truly confined. After living only for your job with the royal family, what does a retired employee do? No one gives thought to the staff no longer working for them.

After living on the edge of history, surrounded by elegance, Marion struggles once she leaves her position. The difficulties she experiences are understandable and tragic. How can someone who devoted themself so fully to their job fade away? In this story, you really get a glimpse behind the curtain and see how difficult her life was.

Having never worried about a job, mortgage, or paying bills, the royals live in a world apart from their people. Glimpses into “regular” life cannot change someone completely. Perhaps the glimpses that Marion gave to Lilibet, future Queen Elizabeth II, helped steer royalty into a more modern rule.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

Additional thoughts: I, like so many others, have always been fascinated by royalty. As an American, I am curious about other countries and traditions. This book did a great job of opening my eyes to another part of royal life. I enjoyed my trip across the pond and back in time. It was a great adventure.