Together they turned the island into a paradise for the rich and famous, including Mick Jagger and David Bowie, and it became a favourite retreat for Princess Margaret.īut beneath the glitz and glamour there has also lurked tragedy. She married the charismatic but highly volatile Colin Tennant, Lord Glenconner, who became the owner of Mustique. Bordering Sandringham the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were frequent playmates.įrom Maid of Honour at the Queen's Coronation to Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret, Lady Glenconner is a unique witness to royal history, as well as an extraordinary survivor of a generation of aristocratic women trapped without inheritance and burdened with social expectations. Her childhood home Holkham Hall is one of the grandest estates in England. Eldest child of the 5th Earl of Leicester, she was, as a daughter, described as 'the greatest disappointment' by her family as she was unable to inherit. Anne Glenconner reveals the real events behind The Crown as well as her own life of drama, tragedy and courage, with the wonderful wit and extraordinary resilience which define her.Īnne Glenconner has been close to the Royal Family since childhood. The remarkable life of Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret who was also a Maid of Honour at the Queen's Coronation. Funny and touching - like looking through a keyhole at a lost world.' 'Discretion and honour emerge as the hallmarks of Glenconner's career as a royal servant, culminating in this book which manages to be both candid and kind' emotion resonates through this delightful memoir' 'Gentle, wise, unpretentious, but above all inspiring'

If your jaw doesn't drop at least three times every chapter, you've not been paying proper attention' 'If you're looking for something to read in lockdown, I can't recommend it highly enough' 'The stoical Lady G writes with infectious joy and optimism' 'A captivating account of a life lived with resilience and grace' ** DAILY MAIL'S 'BEST NON-FICTION BOOKS TO HELP YOU THROUGH LOCKDOWN'**

Lady in waiting book review