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In Royal Service to the Queen: A Novel of the Queen's Governess
The revealing story of Queen Elizabeth II's beloved governess, Marion Crawford, who spent more than sixteen years of her life in loyal service to the royal family and was later shunned by those she has loved and served.
Marion Crawford can remember each of the wonderful years when she was governess to the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose: included in their lives, confided in, needed, trusted, and loved. These memories will never dim, ever. In Marion's mind, she will always be their Crawfie.
But things become increasingly complicated as the young royals navigate adulthood. It is May 1945 and Princess Elizabeth--the heiress presumptive to the British throne--has fallen in love, and the only member of her family who is happy for her is her governess. No one in the young princess's life thinks that Prince Philip of Greece would be a suitable husband for the future Queen of England. No one that is, except for Marion Crawford.
Crawfie wholeheartedly supports Elizabeth in her determination to marry Philip. She too has fallen in love--and has convinced her fiancé, George, that they must wait for Elizabeth and Philip to receive the King's blessing before she can leave her service to the Crown.
Over the next two years Crawfie is caught between loyalty to Princess Elizabeth; running the risk of alienating her royal employer, Queen Elizabeth; and losing the man she loves. But as Crawfie prevails to marry George and stands with him in Westminster Abbey on Elizabeth and Philip's wedding day, she is unaware that her troubled relationship with Queen Elizabeth is far from over. And just around the corner is a betrayal that will sever her bond with the royal family forever.
Marion Crawford can remember each of the wonderful years when she was governess to the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose: included in their lives, confided in, needed, trusted, and loved. These memories will never dim, ever. In Marion's mind, she will always be their Crawfie.
But things become increasingly complicated as the young royals navigate adulthood. It is May 1945 and Princess Elizabeth--the heiress presumptive to the British throne--has fallen in love, and the only member of her family who is happy for her is her governess. No one in the young princess's life thinks that Prince Philip of Greece would be a suitable husband for the future Queen of England. No one that is, except for Marion Crawford.
Crawfie wholeheartedly supports Elizabeth in her determination to marry Philip. She too has fallen in love--and has convinced her fiancé, George, that they must wait for Elizabeth and Philip to receive the King's blessing before she can leave her service to the Crown.
Over the next two years Crawfie is caught between loyalty to Princess Elizabeth; running the risk of alienating her royal employer, Queen Elizabeth; and losing the man she loves. But as Crawfie prevails to marry George and stands with him in Westminster Abbey on Elizabeth and Philip's wedding day, she is unaware that her troubled relationship with Queen Elizabeth is far from over. And just around the corner is a betrayal that will sever her bond with the royal family forever.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2021
248 people are currently reading
6465 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Arlen
10 books530 followersTESSA ARLEN is the USA TODAY bestselling author of IN ROYAL SERVICE TO THE QUEEN, a novel of Marion Crawford the first royal servant to kiss and tell. Tessa writes historical fiction when she is not gardening.
For more information about Tessa and her books please visit her website. http://www.tessaarlen.com/
For more information about Tessa and her books please visit her website. http://www.tessaarlen.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
August 11, 2021
This is a fascinating novel that gives us an insider's view of life as a Princess, as told through the eyes of Marion Crawford, who was governess to Elizabeth and Margaret for 16 years. This book takes us not only through the early years of Elizabeth's life, but also through British history, including World War II and Elizabeth's marriage to Philip.
In Royal Service to the Queen is well-written, compelling, and in the end, slightly heartbreaking.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
In Royal Service to the Queen is well-written, compelling, and in the end, slightly heartbreaking.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
October 4, 2021
IN ROYAL SERVICE TO THE QUEEN
I really enjoyed this fictional recounting of the governess to the queen-to-be, Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Rose. I appreciated the amount of research and the writing skills of Arien as she pulls her plot together.
WIth regard to the shutout, we can all gasp and shake our heads, but in the end, there are two sides to every story. On one hand, you have the governess who needs money and has served her employers while on the other, you have the private life of people who have very little private anything. Do I think the actions of the Queen Mother were harsh, yeah? But what would life be like if everyone in service to someone famous wrote a tell-all book?
Excellent read.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
I really enjoyed this fictional recounting of the governess to the queen-to-be, Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Rose. I appreciated the amount of research and the writing skills of Arien as she pulls her plot together.
WIth regard to the shutout, we can all gasp and shake our heads, but in the end, there are two sides to every story. On one hand, you have the governess who needs money and has served her employers while on the other, you have the private life of people who have very little private anything. Do I think the actions of the Queen Mother were harsh, yeah? But what would life be like if everyone in service to someone famous wrote a tell-all book?
Excellent read.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
July 10, 2022
Engrossing book. Though being an American I don't closely follow the Royal family I always appreciate a well researched book.
This is a fictionalized story told by the governess of the queen-to-be, Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret Rose. It tells of their formative years as girls and follows them through school,home life,meeting Phillip,heartaches and happiness. Though it may sound like a glamorous life the governess gave up having the privacy of her own life. She also, much to the dismay of the man who loved her postponed marriage for a good many years to serve this family.
The author's writing style comes off strong and very thoroughly researched.
Published June 29th 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a fictionalized story told by the governess of the queen-to-be, Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret Rose. It tells of their formative years as girls and follows them through school,home life,meeting Phillip,heartaches and happiness. Though it may sound like a glamorous life the governess gave up having the privacy of her own life. She also, much to the dismay of the man who loved her postponed marriage for a good many years to serve this family.
The author's writing style comes off strong and very thoroughly researched.
Published June 29th 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 3, 2023
Marion Crawford was the governess to princesses Elizabeth and Margaret for seventeen years. She sacrificed her dreams to take on this job and has wonderful memories but also had her own story to tell… dun dun dun!
I thoroughly enjoyed this precious ride of seeing the girls grow up and learn a different perspective into the royal family, but unfortunately I wanted more. I feel that the ending was wrapped up too quickly almost in a rush. Also, I thought there was going to be some huge dramatic story that created the divide between the Queen and Marion but… I didn’t see it. Thought it was built up to be something it wasn’t. If you’re looking for action packed, drama and storylines this isn’t for you. It’s a slow enjoyable ride of growing up with the girls. If you love the royals it’s a must.
I enjoyed this and would recommend.
3 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed this precious ride of seeing the girls grow up and learn a different perspective into the royal family, but unfortunately I wanted more. I feel that the ending was wrapped up too quickly almost in a rush. Also, I thought there was going to be some huge dramatic story that created the divide between the Queen and Marion but… I didn’t see it. Thought it was built up to be something it wasn’t. If you’re looking for action packed, drama and storylines this isn’t for you. It’s a slow enjoyable ride of growing up with the girls. If you love the royals it’s a must.
I enjoyed this and would recommend.
3 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
September 24, 2024
In my year to read on Elizabeth II, there just seem to be a lot of books that focus on the time of relationship and courtship of Elizabeth and Philip, and this is one of the better ones. But the book is more than that. Its really about the life and experiences of Marion (Crawfie) Crawford who raised the royal princesses and sacrificed her life to do so. It is written through her eyes, and the true love story is that of her and the children she loved, that were indeed hers, and the raising of the woman who would mother and steer England.
February 10, 2022
It is pure coincidence that I was reading this book about Queen Elizabeth's childhood and coming of age as she passed the monumental milestone of her platinum jubilee, but it was a very fitting time to read it. This novel focuses on the life of Marion Crawford, who served as governess to the then Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret for sixteen years. When Marion started in the position, the young Princess Elizabeth was not expected to ever ascend to the throne, and her family lived a fairly quiet life. Everything changed when King Edward VIII abdicated, and his younger brother, Elizabeth's father, became king. This was followed soon after by the uncertainties and hardships of WWII. It's hard to know how accurate this telling of the story is, but if it is true, Marion Crawford was not treated very well by the royal family. She was not paid well, and had a rather antagonistic relationship with the Queen Mum, who is not painted in a very flattering light in this book. She went on to share her story with the press, and to write a book about the princesses after her retirement, the first royal servant to "spill the beans" in this way. This part of the story is definitely true, as well as the fact that the royals to whom she had devoted much of her life never spoke to her again after this betrayal. This was an interesting although speculative look at the coming of age of the present Queen, and her romance with the man who became her husband, Prince Philip, and at the youth of her wild and rebellious sister, Princess Margaret. We'll never know how true this version of events is, but it was an interesting read nonetheless.
March 28, 2022
As one might imagine, it takes a village to "rear royals." When current British monarch Queen Elizabeth II was being brought up, Marion Crawford, affectionately called "Crawfie" by the royal family, was one member of said village, who worked as governess to Elizabeth and her sister Margaret for 16 years until Elizabeth's marriage to Prince Philip in 1947. Crawfie was a much-loved employee of the royal household, but her story with the royal family isn't without scandal. Crawfie's legacy with the Windsors was later tarnished after an ill-advised decision on Crawfie's part, which removed her from the lives of the royal family forever. In Royal Service to the Queen is Crawfie's story of her life "behind the curtain," guiding and educating the future Queen of the United Kingdom, and later being shunned by the family to whom she devoted her life.
In Royal Service to the Queen was my first Tessa Arlen novel, and I was pleased with how well-researched and richly detailed this engaging story was without becoming burdensome or boring. Crawfie, who was essentially a second mother to the young Elizabeth and Margaret, was a significant person in the lives of the little princesses, and it was fascinating to see life in the royal family through her eyes. Arlen integrates Crawfie's life with the princesses with her life outside the castle walls to paint a complete and compelling portrait of the woman who helped mold the future monarch of Britain.
Although I am a fan of all things British royalty, past and present, I had no knowledge of Crawfie's great offense prior to reading In Royal Service to the Queen. I allowed myself to remain in the dark while reading this novel, and was thoroughly surprised to learn how Crawfie fell out of grace with the Windsors, who never spoke to her again after the incident. Because it was such a delightful reading experience to learn of Crawfie's "misdeeds" through this novel, I won't reveal the scandal in case there is anyone else who is unaware of what she did; however, I do believe that the Windsors' treatment of Crawfie was rather harsh considering that the former governess gave much of her life to the royal family, even delaying her own marriage to ensure that Elizabeth and Margaret were grown before leaving their service. Arlen has revealed Crawfie to be a sympathetic character in the history of the Windsors, and shines a light on how inclusive and rigid the royal family can be.
In Royal Service to the Queen is first and foremost recommended to anyone who enjoys biographical fiction, especially that of the current royal family. In Royal Service will also be enjoyed by anyone who loves The Crown or Downton Abbey.
In Royal Service to the Queen was my first Tessa Arlen novel, and I was pleased with how well-researched and richly detailed this engaging story was without becoming burdensome or boring. Crawfie, who was essentially a second mother to the young Elizabeth and Margaret, was a significant person in the lives of the little princesses, and it was fascinating to see life in the royal family through her eyes. Arlen integrates Crawfie's life with the princesses with her life outside the castle walls to paint a complete and compelling portrait of the woman who helped mold the future monarch of Britain.
Although I am a fan of all things British royalty, past and present, I had no knowledge of Crawfie's great offense prior to reading In Royal Service to the Queen. I allowed myself to remain in the dark while reading this novel, and was thoroughly surprised to learn how Crawfie fell out of grace with the Windsors, who never spoke to her again after the incident. Because it was such a delightful reading experience to learn of Crawfie's "misdeeds" through this novel, I won't reveal the scandal in case there is anyone else who is unaware of what she did; however, I do believe that the Windsors' treatment of Crawfie was rather harsh considering that the former governess gave much of her life to the royal family, even delaying her own marriage to ensure that Elizabeth and Margaret were grown before leaving their service. Arlen has revealed Crawfie to be a sympathetic character in the history of the Windsors, and shines a light on how inclusive and rigid the royal family can be.
In Royal Service to the Queen is first and foremost recommended to anyone who enjoys biographical fiction, especially that of the current royal family. In Royal Service will also be enjoyed by anyone who loves The Crown or Downton Abbey.
March 25, 2022
A fascinating look at the behind-scenes life of the royal family, with characterizations and period details that felt authentic and well-researched.
April 21, 2023
A crown princess.
Her beloved governess
A shocking betrayal…
Marion Crawford is just twenty-two years old when she becomes governess to the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose in 1931. As their beloved ‘Crawfie’, she is instantly confided in, trusted and immersed in the lives of the royal family.
As World War II finally comes to an end, it’s clear that Princess Elizabeth has fallen in love. Now heiress presumptive to the British throne, no one believes that Prince Philip of Greece is a suitable husband for the future Queen of England. No one, that is, except for Crawfie.
For Crawfie, too, has fallen in love – and has convinced her fiancé George that they must wait for Elizabeth and Philip to receive the King’s blessing before she leaves the service of the Crown. Yet soon she finds herself torn between her loyalty to Princess Elizabeth and losing the man she loves.
But no one ever anticipated the betrayal that will sever her bond with the royal family forever…
Her beloved governess
A shocking betrayal…
Marion Crawford is just twenty-two years old when she becomes governess to the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose in 1931. As their beloved ‘Crawfie’, she is instantly confided in, trusted and immersed in the lives of the royal family.
As World War II finally comes to an end, it’s clear that Princess Elizabeth has fallen in love. Now heiress presumptive to the British throne, no one believes that Prince Philip of Greece is a suitable husband for the future Queen of England. No one, that is, except for Crawfie.
For Crawfie, too, has fallen in love – and has convinced her fiancé George that they must wait for Elizabeth and Philip to receive the King’s blessing before she leaves the service of the Crown. Yet soon she finds herself torn between her loyalty to Princess Elizabeth and losing the man she loves.
But no one ever anticipated the betrayal that will sever her bond with the royal family forever…
July 23, 2021
There is something about royalty that is so fascinating to me. What would it be like to be born into a world of privilege and power? How do they live? Who are their friends? What are their secrets?
The British royal family is my favorite, so I jumped at the chance to read In Royal Service to the Queen, by Tessa Arlen. Based on actual events and real people, the story is told from the perspective of governess Marion Crawford. Her charges were the royal Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose Windsor. What she experienced while working for and living with the royal family could give me an insider’s view of the dreams, disappointments, and triumphs of the famous family. Telling this story in a fictionalized account is a tremendous challenge. Daunting, really. I was curious to see if Arlen could pull it off.
Marion Crawford was a young Scottish woman when she accepted a summer job in 1931 as the governess to Elizabeth and Margaret Rose, the two young daughters of the Duke and Duchess of York. This would evolve into a permanent position in the household of the second son of King George V who would later become king when his brother Edward abdicated the throne to marry the twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. We briefly touch upon this critical time in the life of Bertie and his wife Elizabeth who never expected to be elevated to the highest position in the land.
The story really begins to heat up after WWII in 1945 when Princess Elizabeth, the heiress-presumptive to the British throne, falls in love with Prince Philip of Greece, a young Royal Navy officer. Crawfie, as Marion is endearingly called by the family, is the only one in Elizabeth’s intimate circle who supports her choice of Philip as a possible husband. Marion herself has also fallen in love with George, a family friend who she wants to marry. This is a complicated situation for both ladies that will take subtle shifting of opinions of the king and queen on Elizabeth’s behalf and patience and persistence for Marion. Over the next two years, Crawfie is placed in a precarious situation—caught between her loyalty to Princess Elizabeth and risking her relationship with her employer Queen Elizabeth who we see really wears the pants in the royal family. After years of loyal service and personal sacrifice, Marion achieves her goals and sees Elizabeth and herself marry the men that they love, but at a great cost. A betrayal by her employer will sever her sixteen-year relationship with her dear princesses.
Novels about real people can be tricky. The author is reimaging events, creating scenes, and capturing personalities through dialogue that could really fall flat. Only the bravest and most talented writers can pull it off. It is immediately apparent that Arlen has done her research on this period of British history and the royal family. Any capable writer can do that. What places In Royal Service to the Queen above the fray is Arlen’s total understanding of the personalities and politics of the Windsor family and their sphere. Revealing the story from the perspective of a governess offered an intimate view that places us directly in the inner circle. This is where Arlen shines. She brings an astute understanding of the unique personalities of each of the families and their governess vividly to the page. For example, one scene was brilliantly crafted when Prince Philip is invited to tea with the family at the palace as a suitor to Princess Elizabeth. The King puffs on his cigarettes in between the few words that he shares, the Queen with her Cheshire cat smile orchestrates the conversation like a lifeboat in a field of icebergs, her outspoken younger brother David Bowes-Lyon adds colorful comments and piercing questions that his sister and brother-in-law cannot broach, eager prospect Philip is open and candid, showing his un-royal upbringing, while the young Elizabeth is effervescent and eager for approval. Crawfie is there in support of her charge, observing and sharing with us the critical scene in the romance of the princess and the future of the monarchy.
The personal dynamics between the characters crackles and pops with energy throughout, and her heroine Marion is fierce, valiant, and believable. We never doubt her view and root for her happiness until the surprising end. My only quibble was with the pacing as I had wished that she placed more emphasis on the critical abdication as the inciting event of the beginning of the story to add more immediate tension.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook narrated by Mhairi Morrison whose interpretation of Princess Elizabeth sounded eerily like actress Claire Foy in the same role in the TV series, The Crown. Arlen is an underappreciated historical fiction author who should find elevation from this beautifully written, impeccably researched, penetrating story of another underappreciated personality, Marion Crawford.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
The British royal family is my favorite, so I jumped at the chance to read In Royal Service to the Queen, by Tessa Arlen. Based on actual events and real people, the story is told from the perspective of governess Marion Crawford. Her charges were the royal Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose Windsor. What she experienced while working for and living with the royal family could give me an insider’s view of the dreams, disappointments, and triumphs of the famous family. Telling this story in a fictionalized account is a tremendous challenge. Daunting, really. I was curious to see if Arlen could pull it off.
Marion Crawford was a young Scottish woman when she accepted a summer job in 1931 as the governess to Elizabeth and Margaret Rose, the two young daughters of the Duke and Duchess of York. This would evolve into a permanent position in the household of the second son of King George V who would later become king when his brother Edward abdicated the throne to marry the twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. We briefly touch upon this critical time in the life of Bertie and his wife Elizabeth who never expected to be elevated to the highest position in the land.
The story really begins to heat up after WWII in 1945 when Princess Elizabeth, the heiress-presumptive to the British throne, falls in love with Prince Philip of Greece, a young Royal Navy officer. Crawfie, as Marion is endearingly called by the family, is the only one in Elizabeth’s intimate circle who supports her choice of Philip as a possible husband. Marion herself has also fallen in love with George, a family friend who she wants to marry. This is a complicated situation for both ladies that will take subtle shifting of opinions of the king and queen on Elizabeth’s behalf and patience and persistence for Marion. Over the next two years, Crawfie is placed in a precarious situation—caught between her loyalty to Princess Elizabeth and risking her relationship with her employer Queen Elizabeth who we see really wears the pants in the royal family. After years of loyal service and personal sacrifice, Marion achieves her goals and sees Elizabeth and herself marry the men that they love, but at a great cost. A betrayal by her employer will sever her sixteen-year relationship with her dear princesses.
Novels about real people can be tricky. The author is reimaging events, creating scenes, and capturing personalities through dialogue that could really fall flat. Only the bravest and most talented writers can pull it off. It is immediately apparent that Arlen has done her research on this period of British history and the royal family. Any capable writer can do that. What places In Royal Service to the Queen above the fray is Arlen’s total understanding of the personalities and politics of the Windsor family and their sphere. Revealing the story from the perspective of a governess offered an intimate view that places us directly in the inner circle. This is where Arlen shines. She brings an astute understanding of the unique personalities of each of the families and their governess vividly to the page. For example, one scene was brilliantly crafted when Prince Philip is invited to tea with the family at the palace as a suitor to Princess Elizabeth. The King puffs on his cigarettes in between the few words that he shares, the Queen with her Cheshire cat smile orchestrates the conversation like a lifeboat in a field of icebergs, her outspoken younger brother David Bowes-Lyon adds colorful comments and piercing questions that his sister and brother-in-law cannot broach, eager prospect Philip is open and candid, showing his un-royal upbringing, while the young Elizabeth is effervescent and eager for approval. Crawfie is there in support of her charge, observing and sharing with us the critical scene in the romance of the princess and the future of the monarchy.
The personal dynamics between the characters crackles and pops with energy throughout, and her heroine Marion is fierce, valiant, and believable. We never doubt her view and root for her happiness until the surprising end. My only quibble was with the pacing as I had wished that she placed more emphasis on the critical abdication as the inciting event of the beginning of the story to add more immediate tension.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook narrated by Mhairi Morrison whose interpretation of Princess Elizabeth sounded eerily like actress Claire Foy in the same role in the TV series, The Crown. Arlen is an underappreciated historical fiction author who should find elevation from this beautifully written, impeccably researched, penetrating story of another underappreciated personality, Marion Crawford.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
July 7, 2021
4.5 stars
Tessa Arlen is an author that I don’t think get’s enough credit or recognition. She’s a wonderful author who I always feel like is on the fringes of the historical fiction genre. She’s written a few mysteries series that I have enjoyed over the years and whenever I see that she has a new book coming out, I am always excited. Yet I don’t see her books getting the same hype as other historical and historical mystery writers.
Which means—-she is a diamond in the rough! She writes smart mysteries with wonderful historical details. I especially love her Poppy Redfern series for historical details. When I saw that she has a book coming out about the Queen’s governess, I simply knew she would pour all the same historical details into this historical fiction piece.
With the death of Prince Philip earlier this year as well the the success of The Crown, the time is ripe for novels about the Queen and her life with Philip. I have read a couple of books about the early life of Queen Elizabeth but when I saw that Arlen was going to be writing one, I knew I had to immediately get it on my TBR!
As expected, the thing that stood out for me about this one was the historical details. I have come to expect that from Arlen and she delivered as hoped in this book. She captured the details and turbulence of Post War England so well while at the same time managing to keep the glamour of the royals alive in the story. In the fall I read another book featuring Marion Crawford which was also a wonderful read, but this one appealed to me more as it was Arlen who wrote it. I won’t spend time comparing the two books I have read, only that they are both well done in their own right and if you want to read more about the Queen’s early life, you will no doubt enjoy both books.
But I will say, this one stood out to me a bit above the other book because of the attention to detail and the experience. This book felt more polished and refined with a clear purpose. It was well written and researched and fans of historical fiction (not to mention The Crown) will fall in love with this book. I adored how complex and flushed out the relationship between the Queen and Crawford was in this one. Crawford clearly gave everything to her service to the Queen and it was portrayed so well in this book. I think readers will find the story interesting and the dynamic between the Queen and Crawford complex and intriguing. The betrayal that comes (no spoilers here!) which drastically changes their friendship is the climax in this book and I loved it!
I think this book had excellent pacing and loads of historical detail plus an interesting story that readers will devour. I loved how ‘Crawfie’ was portrayed in this one and I thought it did justice to her character as well as her position as governess with the Queen. I certainly hope this book draws Arlen the attention she deserves in the historical fiction genre. This was a well done novel and I loved it. I am so excited to read more books by her. If you love The Crown or maybe just want to learn more about the modern royals, this is the novel you want to read!
See my full review here
Tessa Arlen is an author that I don’t think get’s enough credit or recognition. She’s a wonderful author who I always feel like is on the fringes of the historical fiction genre. She’s written a few mysteries series that I have enjoyed over the years and whenever I see that she has a new book coming out, I am always excited. Yet I don’t see her books getting the same hype as other historical and historical mystery writers.
Which means—-she is a diamond in the rough! She writes smart mysteries with wonderful historical details. I especially love her Poppy Redfern series for historical details. When I saw that she has a book coming out about the Queen’s governess, I simply knew she would pour all the same historical details into this historical fiction piece.
With the death of Prince Philip earlier this year as well the the success of The Crown, the time is ripe for novels about the Queen and her life with Philip. I have read a couple of books about the early life of Queen Elizabeth but when I saw that Arlen was going to be writing one, I knew I had to immediately get it on my TBR!
As expected, the thing that stood out for me about this one was the historical details. I have come to expect that from Arlen and she delivered as hoped in this book. She captured the details and turbulence of Post War England so well while at the same time managing to keep the glamour of the royals alive in the story. In the fall I read another book featuring Marion Crawford which was also a wonderful read, but this one appealed to me more as it was Arlen who wrote it. I won’t spend time comparing the two books I have read, only that they are both well done in their own right and if you want to read more about the Queen’s early life, you will no doubt enjoy both books.
But I will say, this one stood out to me a bit above the other book because of the attention to detail and the experience. This book felt more polished and refined with a clear purpose. It was well written and researched and fans of historical fiction (not to mention The Crown) will fall in love with this book. I adored how complex and flushed out the relationship between the Queen and Crawford was in this one. Crawford clearly gave everything to her service to the Queen and it was portrayed so well in this book. I think readers will find the story interesting and the dynamic between the Queen and Crawford complex and intriguing. The betrayal that comes (no spoilers here!) which drastically changes their friendship is the climax in this book and I loved it!
I think this book had excellent pacing and loads of historical detail plus an interesting story that readers will devour. I loved how ‘Crawfie’ was portrayed in this one and I thought it did justice to her character as well as her position as governess with the Queen. I certainly hope this book draws Arlen the attention she deserves in the historical fiction genre. This was a well done novel and I loved it. I am so excited to read more books by her. If you love The Crown or maybe just want to learn more about the modern royals, this is the novel you want to read!
See my full review here
September 21, 2021
The year is 1936 and Marion Crawford takes on the job as a governess to the Duchess of York's children, Elizabeth and Margaret. The sixteen years she serves as the family are tumultuous. First up is King Edward VIII's abdication and their subsequent move to Buckingham Palace. This changes everyone's lives, including Marion, whom they affectionately refer to as "Crawfie." As the years go by, more events unfold, such as the Blitz, which forces them to move to Windsor. Once the war is over, Elizabeth has her eyes on Prince Philip. Marion wants to start her own life and pursue her own marriage, but she feels like she can't leave Elizabeth and Margaret. Plus, they don't make it easy on her when she mentions leaving to marry her boyfriend, George. There's also the worry that Elizabeth will certainly have her hands full if she continues to pursue Philip, as her family most definitely does not approve and will need Marion's support. Fans of The Crown as well Royal lovers will appreciate this historical tale based on the much loved governess to Elizabeth and Margaret in In Royal Service to the Queen by Tessa Arlen.
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
May 10, 2021
This was an interesting book highlighting the life of the governess, Marion Crawford, to both Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. The turbulent times of many of the years through the Depression and World War II are well covered by the author as she showcases the lives of British royalty. Her total dedication to the family at the expense of her own happiness is prevalent throughout the sixteen plus years she spent in servitude. All ties are severed with Marion as Queen Elizabeth I is angered by what she felt was the ultimate betrayal. The reader can decide for themselves if they feel this is justified. Well written! #InRoyalServiceToTheQueen #TessaArlen #NetGalley
June 30, 2022
Fascinating!!! I am not super into the Windsors and of I was completely glued to this book, I imagine someone truly interested in the royal family will gobble it up.
Much of the story had me marveling at how kind, but weak-willed sweet Marion was. She literally sacrificed years of happiness in service to the Windsors. Lilibet (Elizabeth II) performs JV level manipulation while her mother is showing varsity-level, diabolical scheming. It’s understandable that this is necessary with certain government ministers and representatives, but with the governess? You wind up loathing these people as lovely Marion caves again and again to their wishes, all in service to The Crown.
Her reward for years of service is pathetic and, as we learn in the incredible author’s note, it really happened. Amazing.
I had hoped for a somewhat happy ending as Marion and George move on from London. I almost wish I hadn’t read the 1977 chapter. I wasn’t a Queen Elizabeth II fan before and I can’t fathom how anyone could be. Wow!
Much of the story had me marveling at how kind, but weak-willed sweet Marion was. She literally sacrificed years of happiness in service to the Windsors. Lilibet (Elizabeth II) performs JV level manipulation while her mother is showing varsity-level, diabolical scheming. It’s understandable that this is necessary with certain government ministers and representatives, but with the governess? You wind up loathing these people as lovely Marion caves again and again to their wishes, all in service to The Crown.
Her reward for years of service is pathetic and, as we learn in the incredible author’s note, it really happened. Amazing.
I had hoped for a somewhat happy ending as Marion and George move on from London. I almost wish I hadn’t read the 1977 chapter. I wasn’t a Queen Elizabeth II fan before and I can’t fathom how anyone could be. Wow!
December 8, 2021
Excellent historical fiction on the life of Marion Crawford, governess to Queen Elizabeth and her sister from just before WWII and beyond. I read a book about her last year from another author, this one was better. Love her writing style, she did a great job researching the characters.
February 10, 2023
Marion Crawford tutors Royal Highnesses Elizabeth II and Margaret Rose for 16 years.
Earlier this month, I read The Royal Governess (3 stars), another book about Marion, but I liked this one so much better! Marion's voice and personality was so much more likeable and not at all that of a martyr. I enjoyed learning more about Marion, her time with Elizabeth and Margaret, and her personal life with boyfriend and later husband, George.
I feel saddened that after 16 years of loyal service, Marion was snubbed by the Royal family for participating in articles for Ladies' Home Journal and writing a book, The Little Princesses: The Story of the Queen's Childhood, by Her Governess. I haven't read the latter but according to this account, Marion had only good things to say about the princesses and the King and Queen. It also seemed unfair that the Queen was fine with other journalists making money off the press, but not Marion.
Location: 1931-1977 Scotland and England
Earlier this month, I read The Royal Governess (3 stars), another book about Marion, but I liked this one so much better! Marion's voice and personality was so much more likeable and not at all that of a martyr. I enjoyed learning more about Marion, her time with Elizabeth and Margaret, and her personal life with boyfriend and later husband, George.
I feel saddened that after 16 years of loyal service, Marion was snubbed by the Royal family for participating in articles for Ladies' Home Journal and writing a book, The Little Princesses: The Story of the Queen's Childhood, by Her Governess. I haven't read the latter but according to this account, Marion had only good things to say about the princesses and the King and Queen. It also seemed unfair that the Queen was fine with other journalists making money off the press, but not Marion.
Location: 1931-1977 Scotland and England
April 23, 2025
2,5. Poprawna, ale bez zachwytu.
December 4, 2024
I enjoyed this read. Based loosely on the princesses governess during their young years. I did not know Marion was the first to speak about the private lives of the royals. Do enjoy reading it.
January 1, 2026
I enjoyed this look into the life of a governess and how it was a different life for her. I wish the ending could have been better but I guess that’s real life.
June 29, 2021
Wow!! I fell in love with this book. A captivating story that is told beautifully with grace and dignity, really capturing the relationships between characters in such a way that you too will be tearful at the end. I can’t wait to see what else this author puts out!
July 30, 2021
I loved the story. Tessa Arlen is a wonderful storyteller. Anyone following The Crown will absolutely adore this book. It shows a very inside view of the royal family. The story of the governess to Margaret and Elizabeth. A very engrossing and personal look into Marion Crawford’s life with the two girls. It has such detail about both Elizabeth’s and Margaret’s early life, and how Phillip was not accepted as the one for Elizabeth by the family. Crawfie brings her support for Elizabeth into her personal life with her own love. She puts off her marriage until Elizabeth has the blessing from the King to marry Phillip. The book shows how Crawfie supports and remains loyal to Elizabeth to the end. Then the betrayal the will sever the bond forever.
I love the other series by this author as well. I received this as a free read by Amazon for a review. I would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys history and personal stories of those who lived within.
I love the other series by this author as well. I received this as a free read by Amazon for a review. I would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys history and personal stories of those who lived within.
August 12, 2021
I received my copy free through Goodreads Giveaways
An interesting view of history of the royal family in England.
An interesting view of history of the royal family in England.
January 1, 2022
3.5 stars.
This certainly lifts the blinders regarding the character of the Queen Mum. I believe Marion Crawford over the Royal family. If what the author has written is true, they used her shamelessly, paid her a pittance, the Queen mum reneged on promises made, then treated her like dirt after the US publisher deceived her and used her name. Poor woman; she gave up a life of her own for a bunch of ingrates.
This certainly lifts the blinders regarding the character of the Queen Mum. I believe Marion Crawford over the Royal family. If what the author has written is true, they used her shamelessly, paid her a pittance, the Queen mum reneged on promises made, then treated her like dirt after the US publisher deceived her and used her name. Poor woman; she gave up a life of her own for a bunch of ingrates.
September 3, 2023
I recently bought this book and was afraid I might be disappointed. It turned out completely different, I felt fascinated. The story is wonderful, at times touching, serious, funny and even surprising, just full of emotions. I have the Polish translation and I'm delighted with it, really good work, which was a pleasure to read and breathless.
August 6, 2021
It is perhaps the nature of turning history into novel that makes this a fairly flat read; the typical climatic arch is flatter and honestly it read more like a truncated biographic novel than a typical historical novel.
May 8, 2021
4.5 stars!
October 18, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. It gave great insight into the lives of the royal family from the governess's perspective. I know that it was fictionalized, however it was based on research of the real governess. I'm absolutely fascinated by The Windsor Family and I adore her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and her sister, Margaret. The King was really only touched on as being very quiet and shy. Definitely pushed into a role he really didn't want to have. The Queen Mother, Elizabeth, at the time of the book The Queen, was a force to be reckoned with. I know she came off as somewhat pushy and controlling, but in other accounts that I've read of her I believe that she was a fantastic Queen, an excellent wife, and a wonderful consort to the king during World War II. I definitely recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction and anyone that is interested in the Royals.
September 5, 2023
Bardzo podobała mi się większość, powiedzmy, gdyby skończyło się 30 stron wcześniej byłabym zachwycona, ale końcówka? Główna bohaterka była (jak sama autkorka książki mówi na końcu w ,,słowo od autorki”) pierwszą osobą, która ujawniła realia życia księżniczek, skontaktowała się z prasą, a wszyscy dziwią się, że rodzina królewska jest zła i nie chce utrzymywać z p Crawford relacji? No wtf
Z tylu książki opis ,, bulwersująca historia MC … by zostać odrzucona orzez tych, którym służyła”. Bulwersujące jest ujawnianie czyjeś prywatności, ja to odczułam, czytając TĘ KSIĄŻKĘ, która ukazuje MC jako ofiarę, teraz mam ochotę zagłębić się w temat i dowiedzieć się prawdy, skoro jestem tak zbulwersowana subiektywna książka
Chciałabym dać 1 gwiazdkę, bo jestem autentycznie zła, ale fenomenalnie czytało mi się te książkę przez 90% czasu, wiec mam zong
Z tylu książki opis ,, bulwersująca historia MC … by zostać odrzucona orzez tych, którym służyła”. Bulwersujące jest ujawnianie czyjeś prywatności, ja to odczułam, czytając TĘ KSIĄŻKĘ, która ukazuje MC jako ofiarę, teraz mam ochotę zagłębić się w temat i dowiedzieć się prawdy, skoro jestem tak zbulwersowana subiektywna książka
Chciałabym dać 1 gwiazdkę, bo jestem autentycznie zła, ale fenomenalnie czytało mi się te książkę przez 90% czasu, wiec mam zong
September 28, 2021
I wanted to give this a higher rating so bad. I loved this book up until the third section. I didn’t do a ton of research on how accurate the story was but either way it just made me really sad in the end.
The story focuses on Marion Crawford (Crawfie) to the royal family and her 16 long years of service as Governess for both Queen Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret. The intricate details and lovely story telling give us a beautiful glimpse into what the young princesses lives might have looked like as they became royal and grew up into the women they are today.
Marion is a bright and beautiful main character and truly gives her heart to the whole Windsor family expecting and earning nearly nothing in return.
The story focuses on Marion Crawford (Crawfie) to the royal family and her 16 long years of service as Governess for both Queen Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret. The intricate details and lovely story telling give us a beautiful glimpse into what the young princesses lives might have looked like as they became royal and grew up into the women they are today.
Marion is a bright and beautiful main character and truly gives her heart to the whole Windsor family expecting and earning nearly nothing in return.
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