The Little Princesses cover art

The Little Princesses

The Story of the Queen's Childhood by Her Nanny Crawfie

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The Little Princesses

By: Marion Crawford
Narrated by: Sophie Roberts
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About this listen

 *With a foreword by former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond*

The touching and ground-breaking story of the Queen's childhood as told by her nanny, revealing the royal family's life before The Crown.

Now, more than ever, the Royal Family's private lives are no longer private. Marion Crawford, or 'Crawfie', as she was known to the Queen and Princess Margaret, became governess to the children of the Duke and Duchess of York in the early 1930s, little suspecting she was nurturing the future Queen.

Beginning at their quiet family home in Piccadilly and ending with the birth of Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in 1948, Crawfie tells how she brought the princesses up to exist in their royal world, whilst also exposing them to the reality of underground trains, buses and swimming lessons.

First published in 1950, The Little Princesses created an instant furore: Crawfie was demonised by the press and the Queen Mother - who had been a great friend and who had, Crawfie maintained, given her permission to write the account - never spoke to her again.

'A unique insight into the isolated childhood of the future queen and her sister' Daily Mail©2020 Marion Crawford (P)2020 Orion Publishing Group Entertainment & Celebrities Europe Great Britain Historical Politics & Activism Royalty Celebrity

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All stars
Most relevant
This book is a glimpse into a different time which happens to be about Elizabeth and Margaret. After publication the author was ostracised by the royal family in the most terrible way. If we look at the scandals since this book was written that have involved our current king and cohorts the subject matter in this book pales into insignificance. Crawfie gave her life to them up until her dying day. Well narrated and bought as a BOGOF.

A lifetime of service given…

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This book is a pure delight…the reader manages to capture the era in her voice perfectly…  it matters not who the children are by birth as the book is about two little girls growing up in a comfortable home during that period of time…it’s a window to the past when children would have a governess and nanny . Many did . My gt grandmother was a governess in London… if you expect a royal book with gossip and intrigue this isn’t for you…no sensational revelations… just a story of a governess with two little girls …who grew up in war time…and the eldest met and married .. a marvellous glimpse into the past…a piece of social history. Why isn’t this a film.?
This story must have been replicated all over the uk in large homes…
Enchanting book..
The Queen Mothers snubbing of Crawfie was so misplaced …and probably also echos the era…as this is like an oil painting of family life.

Enchanting book …

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Very moving and beautiful story about our gracious Queen and her little sister Princess Margaret….very emotional at times….could listen to this many many more time…truly beautiful insight into the childhood and beginning of adulthood of Lilibet

Beautiful story

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Would have liked to have known a bit more about Crawfie, as sadly let down after her selfless service to the Royal Family.
Lovely insight to the Princesses childhood and early adulthood. What amazing parents they had to ensure they had so much fun.
Beautifully narrated, but may have felt more authentic to have a Scottish narrator

Great listen

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Quite a boring story. I listen to the end But didn't do much for me

How entitled they were

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