This novel is about Marion “Crawfie” Crawford, princess Lillibet and Princess Margaret’s governess.

The majority of this novel takes place in the 1930s and 40s, while Lillibet and Margaret were young and Crawfie was taking care of them. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between the governess and the royal family, but it didn’t suck me in the way I had hoped, I felt the ending was a little rushed, in that the fall out with Crawfie and the royals was very brief in comparison to the rest of the book. I did like reading about Crawfie and her love, George, and how torn she felt between her love for “her girls” and her future husband. I recommend this book to Royal lovers!

(3.5 stars, rounded up)

Content warnings: war, betrayal, animal slaughter

Marion Crawford is a Scot who dreams of becoming a teacher. One summer, she gets a job offer she can't refuse -- a position as governess to the Duke and Duchess of York's two girls, Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. The summer job turns into over a decade of service as "Crawfie" is beloved by the girls and loves them as her own daughters.

Crawfie stays with the girls in Windsor during World War II while their parents -- now the King and Queen of England -- stay in Buckingham Palace. They return to London after the war has concluded to find it much changed. Elizabeth has grown and is intent on marrying Prince Phillip of Greece, who fought in the war for Britain. Crawfie helps Elizabeth navigate her negotiations with her parents as they believe the man is unsuitable for the heir apparent.

Crawfie loves the girls, but she sacrificed much of her life and happiness for their care. When the royal family continues to pay Marion below a living wage, she accepts an offer that will alter her relationship with the royals forever.

Recommended for royal watchers and historical fiction readers who enjoy British history.

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.

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.

I really enjoyed this book about the governess of the queen to be - Elizabeth. We get some insight of the princess life and her sister. Great book!

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.

I really like how Arlen tells a familiar story of Elizabeth and Margaret's childhood, but tells it to us through Marion's eyes in In Royal Service to the Queen. I found it really interesting to have the perspective of what it must have been like for a Scottish governess to enter the world of Royalty. The story follows Marion for many years and as things develop for Elizabeth, things also start to change for Marian. She wants her own marriage and her own life with George, but she can't seem to completely break free from the Royal family's grasp. Marion keeps pushing off her wedding for one reason or another (things always come up!) and readers can't help but worry she will lose her chance forever. How much should she risk for Elizabeth and Margaret?

I have read a few books that depict the fascinating initial courtship of Elizabeth and Philip and In Royal Service to the Queen Arlen does a good job bringing it to life. It wasn't easy for Elizabeth to get her family to accept Philip, so the road wasn't always smooth. Philip's tumultuous home life, the fact that he isn't a British citizen, his attitude, and his sisters' connections to the Nazis certainly doesn't help, but you can't help but appreciate Philip's humor, dedication, and the way he lives his life.

I didn't know the history behind Marion and how things ended with Elizabeth, so I must admit it caught me by surprise and broke my heart. So, if you are a fan of The Crown or find the Royal family interesting, In Royal Service to the Queen shouldn't be missed!

Are a Royal family lover and is this book is on your TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.

In Royal Service to the Queen by Tessa Arlen and from Berkley Books takes the viewpoint of a rarely unexplored figure in Queen Elizabeth’s life: her governess, Marion Crawford, affectionately known as Crawfie. Though the story begins shortly after she’s first employed, when Elizabeth and Margaret are young girls, the focus is on Elizabeth’s courtship and love for Philip and Crawfie’s involvement with a man named George. The two love stories run parallel to one another but have very different outcomes.

Crawfie is a fascinating figure and one I previously knew little about, apart from her name and general occupation. Her life was as full of betrayal and drama as any royal’s, her sixteen years of devoted servitude culminating in a possibly questionable decision that would drastically alter her life and connections to those she’d spent so many years with. Her choices are never purely black and white, and she often felt conflicted with what to say and when. From the start of her employment, a steady sense of decorum and careful phrasing kept her in the family’s good graces. I was struck by how taxing it must have been for her, walking that fine line between protecting the princesses’ privacy or answering questions posed by their parents or others who had an obligation to protect their, and the country’s, well-being.

Filled with the complexities of working for the royal family and abundant in details that perfectly set each scene, this is the perfect book for fans of The Crown or Downton Abbey. The author’s painstaking research shines on every page, the history of these famous figures told with empathy and unbiased clarity.

Thank you to Berkley Books for a gifted ecopy. This did not affect my review.

Young and impressionable Marion Crawford has just been offered the job of a lifetime: governess to the Duke of York’s two charming daughters. Little does she (or anyone) know that these sweet young girls would become heirs to the British throne. Years go by and loyal Marion, or Crawfie as the girls loved to call her, dedicates herself to serving her current and future queens, often sacrificing her own happiness in doing so. But when her time with the family comes to an end a chance opportunity and rookie mistake permanently severe the bond that once seemed unbreakable.

I must start by saying that I love all things Windsor. I’ve been fascinated with the British Royal Family since I was a child, so Marion Crawford’s story wasn’t new to me. I’d heard about and read about her “betrayal” many times over the years. But this was the first time I heard her side of the story, and I must say it’s given me a much different view of the Queen Mother, that’s for sure. I can’t help but believe Marion was taken advantage of, first by the Queen Mother and later by the Goulds. This recounting of her story puts things in a very different light, and the story of Marion Crawford is richer than ever thanks to this book!

The story is rich with detail and highly character-driven, making it a fun and fast read. I especially loved the juxtaposition of the two romances featured in the book. What captured me the most was the relationship between Marion and the Princesses. They relied on her heavily throughout her tenure with the Windsors. She seemed to be the tempest during the storms of war, only to be cast out into the storm of her own.

Overall a great read for any fan of the Windsors and UK history.

With so many summer headlines regarding the UK and the Royals, it's quite suitable that I was able to read In Royal Service to the Queen by Tessa Arlen. The novel reveals the 'behind the palace walls' reimagining about Queen Elizabeth's upbringing as narrated by her governess Marion Crawford, as the young queen grows from a young child to the adult monarch.

In real life, Marion Crawford was a Scottish educator and governess to Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. Crawford was the named author of the book The Little Princesses, which told the story of her time with the royal family. While this book is categorized as fiction, it seems very well researched and based on true events!

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 an insider’s view of the British royal family through the eyes and heart of Marion Crawford, selfless governess to Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret for 16 years. The twenty-two-year-old “Crawfie,” as she was lovingly named, began her service as governess in the summer of 1931. Tessa Arlen’s extensive research of British history and the Monarchy seen through Crawfie’s lens takes the reader on the rocky road of recovery through the Great Depression, the abdication of King Edward VIII, World War II, and economic recovery. During Marion Crawford’s service she traveled between Balmoral in Scotland, Windsor, and Buckingham Palace. She endured five years at Windsor with the princesses during the war then navigated “Lilibets” coming of age and her wedding to Phillip. The peek into the daily life is extremely compelling and so intriguing with all the publicity-positive or negative- on the royal family in the last decades. Those who have been called to serve, as teachers are, will struggle along with Marion as she continues to sacrifice her own chance at love, marriage, and a family. Tessa Arlen creates the perfect tension between Marion’s aging mother, her love interest, George Buthlay, and her royal commitment to the princesses. At the end of her service to the royal family Crawfie is faced with a life altering financial decision that will leave readers in a quandary. As Tessa Arlen inquires of readers in her revealing, detailed author’s note, “Was Crawfie guilty of disloyalty or disobedience?” Read In Royal Service to the Queen to make your own wise and regal decision.

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
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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 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.

An entertaining historical fiction account of real-life Marion Crawford and her sixteen year service to the Windsor family as royal governess to the two princesses. Highly recommended for fans of the Netflix series The crown. I enjoyed the insider/outsider perspective of the royal family's life and the kinds of sacrifices Marion had to make in her own life to serve the family she loved but who didn't always treat her well. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy.

If you give me a book about the royal family, I will absolutely read it and devour it. I found that to be the case with In Royal Service to the Queen. I have always wondered what the Queen is like behind closed doors, and this book does a fascinating job of giving readers an inside look at the Queen as she is from a child to a young woman in love from the perspective of her nanny, Marion Crawford. The Queen is definitely private, but I really felt like I got to know her, first as Lilibet and then as she rose to her role as the head of the royal family. I know her family members have tremendous respect for her, and this was probably the first book that I have read that really focused on who the Queen was and is. Thank you so much to the publisher for giving me the chance to read a copy of this book, and for sending me a physical copy of this book! I haven't read

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!

Summary
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 fianc�, 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. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
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!

Book Info and Rating
368 pages, Paperback

Expected publicationJ une 29, 2021 by Berkley Books

ISBN9780593102480 (ISBN10: 0593102487)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Berkley Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Genre: historical fiction

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!

The Windsor family has become a popular subject for historical fiction. I know that a lot of people think that the royals should be left until everyone they know has passed, but I disagree. (Why can Netflix make The Crown but an author can’t write a book?) While this book covers what was undoubtedly a difficult period for the family, I think it does it respectfully and realistically.

Marion Crawford’s story seems a bit outrageous to us now. In the age of celebrity tell-alls, it is difficult to understand why sweet and lovely articles and books about the princesses would be so horrifying. (A lot of celebrities and politicians would do a lot to positive public attention.) However, to the family, it was the ultimate betrayal. Arlen dissects this difficult situation from Crawfie’s point of view. Although I couldn’t put this book down, it was difficult to read. The Queen Mother was often described as “a marshmallow with an iron centre”, and Crawfie felt that iron centre.

As an historian, I believe that we all have a mixture of good and bad qualities, and are multi-faceted. Arlen did a wonderful job with both Elizabeth and Margaret in In Royal Service. They felt like real people, rather than two-dimensional royals to be praised from afar. And Crawfie is a complex protagonist. You feel like you are in her head, and you can feel the constant push and pull of her duties.

I am a historical fiction junkie. I read almost everything historical that I can get my hands on so when I heard about Marion Crawford I was intrigued. I have read much about the Queen but did not know anything about the governess. I knew that this was a book that I had to read.

I loved how much she loved Elizabeth and Margaret. She was hired as a tutor but became so much more. She let them be children while also teaching them. She gave them normal experiences but also realized that they were not living normal lives. They had to be protected but also taught. She listened to them and gave them the best advice she could. I was amazed at how much of her life she had to give up to do her job. She did not see her mother regularly, she struggled to have a relationship with her fiancé, and when she married, she had to continue working away from her husband.

When she choses to tell the princesses story she does not know how the royals will react. With their reaction she is shocked and heartbroken but knows that she did not do anything wrong. The Queen was able to edit what she wrote and still “allowed” it to be released. I enjoyed seeing Marion come into her own and stand up for herself. Her life was not easy, but she found a way to get the happy ever after that she deserved.

Really enjoyed this historical fiction based on true events. I loved seeing the British Royal Family from the perspective of outsider with an up close view. Tessa Arlen's writing was as engaging as always. Having read and loved the Poppy Redfern series, In Royal Service to the Queen really delivers the same historical details I've come to expect from her.

Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for an advanced copy of In Royal Service to the Queen.

I love reading books around the Royal Family so when I saw In Royal Service to the Queen I was definitely intrigued! This historical fiction is based in on the life of Marion Crawford who was Queen Elizabeth's governess for 16 years. I knew a little about the scandal from other things I've read so I was excited to read more about Crawfie!

I'm emjoyed the book. It's fun seeing it from Crawfie's viewpoint and more of why she did it. I really liked the author's note at the end!.