Description
Book SynopsisThe first in-depth dual-biography of Elizabeth & Margaret, written by the bestselling royal biographer, Andrew Morton.
They were the closest of sisters and the best of friends.
But when, in a quixotic twist of fate, their uncle Edward VIII decided to abdicate the throne, the dynamic between Elizabeth and Margaret was dramatically altered. Forever more, Margaret would have to curtsey to the sister she called ‘Lillibet’. And bow to her wishes.
Elizabeth would always look upon her younger sister’s antics with a kind of stoical amusement but Margaret’s struggle to find a place and position inside the royal system – and her fraught relationship with its expectations – was often a source of tension. Famously, the Queen had to inform Margaret that the Church and government would not countenance her marrying a divorcee, Group Captain Peter Townsend, forcing Margaret to choose between keeping her title and royal allowances or her divorcee lover.
From the idyll of their cloistered early life, through their hidden wartime lives, into the divergent paths they took following their father’s death and Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne, this book explores their relationship over the years. Andrew Morton, renowned bestselling author of Diana: Her True Story, offers unique insight into these two drastically different sisters – one resigned to duty and responsibility, the other resistant to it – and the lasting impact they have had on the Crown, the royal family and the way it has adapted to the changing mores of the twentieth century.
Trade ReviewThoroughly researched and well written, the most comprehensive account of the complex relationship between the Queen and Princess Margaret to date. Fascinating and enjoyable. * Sarah Bradford, New York Times bestselling author of Elizabeth *
The dynamic between the two royal sisters is endlessly fascinating when presented by Andrew Morton. Informative, insightful, and never a dull page. Morton at his forensic best. * Ingrid Seward, author of Prince Philip Revealed and My Husband and I, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine *
A smooth, composite portrait of the messy yet indissoluble bond between sisters... sure to please fans of the royal-family genre. * Kirkus *
Deliciously detailed, sometimes gossipy, often moving, this in-depth examination of royal siblings is sure to be in demand. * Booklist *
A comprehensive and compelling account of two complicated, often lonely lives... Morton is an accomplished royal writer. * The Sunday Times *
Andrew Morton is a consummate writer on celebrity. This book is royalty as celebrity...He has that great talent of readability, without which no popular writer can succeed. * Eastern Daily Press *
