Marion Crawford: The Silent Shadow of the British Monarchy

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22 May 2024

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Deep within Buckingham Palace, where secrets are better guarded than the crown jewels, Marion Crawford, affectionately known as "Crawfie," became the silent shadow of the British monarchy. Her story is a tale of loyalty and betrayal, of closeness and ostracism, that captivates and moves those who know her.

Born in the humble town of Gatehead, Scotland, Crawford emerged from obscurity to become the governess to two of the most iconic figures in royalty: Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret¹. Her life, woven within the walls of palaces and castles, was a testament to royal intimacy, a glimpse behind the veil of greatness.

The Confidant of Royal Childhood

For 17 years, Crawford was more than a governess; She was a confidant, a playmate, and a mother figure to the young princesses². She taught, guided and cared for the future heirs to the throne with a dedication that transcended her duty. She took them on excursions, accompanied them on their first steps into public life and prepared them for the scrutiny of a nation.

The Book that Changed Everything

But it was her decision to publish "The Little Princesses", a book that revealed the intimacies of royal life, that marked a before and after in her relationship with the Windsor family¹. The work, which promised to be a tribute, was perceived as a betrayal. The palace doors were closed to Crawford, and the woman who was once an integral part of the princesses' lives became an outcast.

"The Little Princesses" is a book written by Marion Crawford, who was the nanny of Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. Originally published in **1950**, the book offers an intimate insight into the childhoods of the future heirs to the British throne. Here are some key details about the book's content:

1. Crawford's Hiring:

Crawford, known as "Crawfie," was hired by the Duke and Duchess of York in the 1930s to educate their daughters, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, who were five and two years old, respectively, at the time.

2. Daily Life of the Princesses:

The book tells how Crawford attempted to give the princesses an education that would prepare them to be "royal," while also introducing them to aspects of ordinary life, such as subway train rides, swimming lessons, and participation in the Girl Guides.

3.*The Impact of Abdication:

Crawford describes how the princesses' lives changed dramatically when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated, causing her father to become King George VI and making the young Elizabeth the heir to the throne.

4. Reactions to the Publication:

Although Crawford claimed to have received permission from the Queen Mother to write the book, her publication caused a stir and was seen as a betrayal by the royal family. As a result, the Queen Mother never spoke to Crawford again after publication.

"The Little Princesses" is considered the first published account of life with the British royal family and provides a fascinating insight into the early years of Queen Elizabeth II and her sister, Princess Margaret.

Despite ostracism, Marion Crawford's legacy lives on. Her book offers a unique perspective on the lives of royalty, a narrative that humanizes those born into a golden cradle. Crawford not only educated princesses; she also educated the world about the reality of life behind the crown.

"The Little Princesses": a title that evokes magic, adventure and dreams. Let me take you through the pages of this classic of children's literature:

1. The Historical Context:

   - 1950s: "The Little Princesses" was first published in 1950. At this time, the world was still recovering from the ravages of World War II. British society was undergoing significant changes, and the monarchy was also adapting to post-war transformations.

   - Queen Elizabeth II : In 1952, the young Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne as Elizabeth II , after the death of her father, King George VI. Her reign marked a new era for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

2. The Position of the Princesses:
   - Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, daughters of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the current Queen Mother), lived their childhood and youth in a world in transition.
   - The Second World War had left deep scars in Europe, and the British monarchy had to find its place in a changing society. Crawford's Perspective:
Marion Crawford, the princesses' nanny, provides a unique insight into daily life at Buckingham Palace during this era.
Through her eyes, we see how the princesses grew up in a royal environment, but also experienced more mundane aspects of life, such as riding subway trains and participating in activities such as Girl Guides and swimming lessons.

The Contrast between the Real and the Everyday:

“The Little Princesses” captures the duality of princess life: the responsibility of their royal position and the need to maintain a connection with reality.
Crawford attempted to balance formal education and common experiences to prepare the princesses for their future role as leaders of the nation.
In short, “The Little Princesses” transports us to a time of change, where monarchy and society become intertwined. Through Crawford's words, we discover how Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret navigated between grandeur and simplicity in a changing world. 📚👑✨

The publication of the book “The Little Princesses” by Marion Crawford had significant consequences in her life. Below is a summary of the repercussions she faced:

1. Real Ostracism:

After the book was published, Marion Crawford was ostracized by the British royal family. Despite initially being honored as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order for her loyal service to the crown, she was demonized by the press and she was ostracized by the royal family for the rest of her life.

2. Loss of Trust:

The royal family felt that Crawford had betrayed their trust by revealing intimate details of the lives of Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. The queen mother, Elizabeth, had made it clear to him that people in positions of trust should remain silent about private family affairs.

3. Impact on her Legacy:

Although the book is considered a valuable social history and the first inside account of life at Buckingham Palace, Crawford died in 1988 without having been forgiven by the royal family for writing her book.

In short, Marion Crawford's decision to publish "The Little Princesses" irrevocably altered her relationship with the royal family and marked the end of her life in the royal sphere.