In Royal Service to the Queen

Content warnings: war, betrayal, animal slaughter

Marion Crawford is a Scottish woman who is the governess to Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Rose.

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.

Tessa Arlen is a self-professed amateur historian and writer of historical fiction and mysteries. She lives in England.

Publisher: Berkley

Running Time: 11 hours, 33 minutes

Narrator: Mhairi Morrison

Length: 368 pages

Release Date: June 29, 2021

I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I also received a digital audio recording of this title from Penguin Random House Audio as a librarian review copy. I read the latter edition.