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Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters
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.
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.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published March 30, 2021
About the author
Andrew Morton
72 books606 followersAndrew David Morton (born 1953) is one of the world's best-known biographers and a leading authority on modern celebrity. His groundbreaking biography Diana: Her True Story was a #1 New York Times bestseller, as was Monica's Story, an authorized biography of Monica Lewinsky, and Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography. The winner of numerous awards, including Author of the Year, his other New York Times bestsellers include unauthorized biographies of Madonna and Angelina Jolie, as well as William & Catherine: Their Story. A former British Fleet Street tabloid journalist,he studied history at the University of Sussex. He lives in London.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/andrew...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/andrew...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews
March 11, 2021
A highly emotionally intelligent biography on the two most famous sisters in world history.
I've always liked Andrew Morton from what I've seen from his bits in documentaries. From his work with Diana to his respect for all members of the Royal Family, but also his regard for the truth. I've always valued his commentary. While I felt that some aspects of this novel were obviously open to interpretation to maintain some string of narrative in order to keep the readers captivated, this truly was a great read.
So many myths were dispelled that The Crown had to put in my head. The Queen denying Margaret's marriage to Peter Townsend, for example. It was totally Margaret's decision, by the way.
This was the first official history book that I actually read from cover to cover and didn't just flip through, or give up on, and I have to say - I'm proud of myself! This in-depth look at how their Uncle David's decision to abdicate his throne, and how it affected not only the course of their lives but their sisterly bond, was utterly enthralling.
As far as society was concerned, as well as their family, Margaret would forever walk two steps behind her beloved sister - something young, attention-seeking Margaret didn't take kindly to at first. It was this sudden inferiority of standing that affected the younger daughter of the King of England more than anyone knew, even Margaret herself.
For all their flaws, their mistakes, I learned this: people are not monoliths. If you want perfection, get a crown, not a queen. If you want excellence, get a tiara, not a princess.
These two vital figures - these two sisters - above all else, deeply cared for one another. Elizabeth was constant in her love, and Margaret's loyalty never wavered.
If you're obsessed with the history of the royals, specifically these Windsor royals, give this one a read. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for gifting me with an ARC copy of this book!
I've always liked Andrew Morton from what I've seen from his bits in documentaries. From his work with Diana to his respect for all members of the Royal Family, but also his regard for the truth. I've always valued his commentary. While I felt that some aspects of this novel were obviously open to interpretation to maintain some string of narrative in order to keep the readers captivated, this truly was a great read.
So many myths were dispelled that The Crown had to put in my head. The Queen denying Margaret's marriage to Peter Townsend, for example. It was totally Margaret's decision, by the way.
This was the first official history book that I actually read from cover to cover and didn't just flip through, or give up on, and I have to say - I'm proud of myself! This in-depth look at how their Uncle David's decision to abdicate his throne, and how it affected not only the course of their lives but their sisterly bond, was utterly enthralling.
As far as society was concerned, as well as their family, Margaret would forever walk two steps behind her beloved sister - something young, attention-seeking Margaret didn't take kindly to at first. It was this sudden inferiority of standing that affected the younger daughter of the King of England more than anyone knew, even Margaret herself.
For all their flaws, their mistakes, I learned this: people are not monoliths. If you want perfection, get a crown, not a queen. If you want excellence, get a tiara, not a princess.
These two vital figures - these two sisters - above all else, deeply cared for one another. Elizabeth was constant in her love, and Margaret's loyalty never wavered.
If you're obsessed with the history of the royals, specifically these Windsor royals, give this one a read. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for gifting me with an ARC copy of this book!
August 28, 2023
I gots the dumbs right now and honestly i dont know when I’ll ever think straight again. People please just bare with me. This is going to be a long gravel road, a sea of legos underfoot, or perhaps there will never again be a sun.
It amazes me how the old school practices of monarchies has tricked some into believing they are above and we below. Margaret was emotionally persecuted for something that now seems to occur on a daily basis. I know I’m not from the British isles. What I can say is that at a relatively young age when I visited that island I had never felt so at home, at peace, and where I belonged. And there is too much sadness and misunderstanding in this world to keep love matches apart because of some ridiculous notion of politics or first impressions. The last century has been one BIG STUPID FAILURE. Too much concern over petty trifles.
It amazes me how the old school practices of monarchies has tricked some into believing they are above and we below. Margaret was emotionally persecuted for something that now seems to occur on a daily basis. I know I’m not from the British isles. What I can say is that at a relatively young age when I visited that island I had never felt so at home, at peace, and where I belonged. And there is too much sadness and misunderstanding in this world to keep love matches apart because of some ridiculous notion of politics or first impressions. The last century has been one BIG STUPID FAILURE. Too much concern over petty trifles.
July 14, 2021
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Lovebookstours.
Elizabeth and Margaret is a spectacular read about England's beloved Queen Elizaneth and her equally famous sister Margaret.
This book kept my attention from start to finish and I loved how the information flowed so beautifully between one sister then the other. The book itself reads more like a fiction book it is so cleverly written and worded that you have to stop at points to remember this is a real life account of both of these amazing women.
The bond between these sisters is so endearing.
I found the information included really interesting and I didn't tire of reading at any point.
This is the first book by Andrew Morton that I have so far read but I plan to read more as soon as I can get my hands on them.
Elizabeth and Margaret is a spectacular read about England's beloved Queen Elizaneth and her equally famous sister Margaret.
This book kept my attention from start to finish and I loved how the information flowed so beautifully between one sister then the other. The book itself reads more like a fiction book it is so cleverly written and worded that you have to stop at points to remember this is a real life account of both of these amazing women.
The bond between these sisters is so endearing.
I found the information included really interesting and I didn't tire of reading at any point.
This is the first book by Andrew Morton that I have so far read but I plan to read more as soon as I can get my hands on them.
April 30, 2021
This was a fantastic non-fiction examination of Elizabeth and Margaret both individually and as sisters.
The writing was extremely well done and laid out in a format where it alternates between each sister in a natural way as both of the sisters were focused on equally. As well, the writing style is educative but also casual as if the reader is reading a story instead of a timeline of two lives. With that casual writing style, it makes the book a more enjoyable and easier read instead of one that's 'dry'.
I'm impressed with how the author captured two lifespans in a book in an appropriate length. There was no unnecessary content and the content that was chosen to be included seemed appropriate.
I have read a biography written by Andrew Morton in the past and will continue to look forward to more written by him in the future. I like how well researched his biographies are while still being an enjoyable read.
***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
The writing was extremely well done and laid out in a format where it alternates between each sister in a natural way as both of the sisters were focused on equally. As well, the writing style is educative but also casual as if the reader is reading a story instead of a timeline of two lives. With that casual writing style, it makes the book a more enjoyable and easier read instead of one that's 'dry'.
I'm impressed with how the author captured two lifespans in a book in an appropriate length. There was no unnecessary content and the content that was chosen to be included seemed appropriate.
I have read a biography written by Andrew Morton in the past and will continue to look forward to more written by him in the future. I like how well researched his biographies are while still being an enjoyable read.
***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
April 14, 2021
Quick thoughts:
For fans of The Crown, Author Andrew Morton is well known for his royal biographies, and Elizabeth and Margaret is all about the Windsor Sisters.
They were the best of friends for most of their early lives, until their uncle abdicated the throne. With that action, a rift was made that was only more pronounced as Margaret adjustes to her new position in the new royal household.
Beautifully-written with vibrant detail, I enjoyed this insightful glimpse into the lives of two most memorable sisters. Plus, there are pictures!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
For fans of The Crown, Author Andrew Morton is well known for his royal biographies, and Elizabeth and Margaret is all about the Windsor Sisters.
They were the best of friends for most of their early lives, until their uncle abdicated the throne. With that action, a rift was made that was only more pronounced as Margaret adjustes to her new position in the new royal household.
Beautifully-written with vibrant detail, I enjoyed this insightful glimpse into the lives of two most memorable sisters. Plus, there are pictures!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
November 29, 2021
3 Stars
Most of this book is just material from other recent biographies and memoirs which I've already read. I guess no one on the inside will talk to Andrew Morton anymore. It's alright if you haven't or don't mean to read the source books.
Most of this book is just material from other recent biographies and memoirs which I've already read. I guess no one on the inside will talk to Andrew Morton anymore. It's alright if you haven't or don't mean to read the source books.
August 20, 2022
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a sucker for the Royals and that I love reading about their trials and triumphs. This book, therefore, by the redoubtable Andrew Morton who first presented Diana's story about her fractured marriage to the world, does not disappoint. Morton shows us the sharp contrast between Queen Elizabeth's successes and her sister Margaret's many pratfalls.It has been said that Margaret suffered from a recurring nightmare that she was letting her sister down and Morton tells us over and over that she was the Queen's most stalwart champion. Maybe, but she had a helluva painful life and good reason to be resentful of her family. Forced at 23 to postpone her marriage to Peter Townsend for two years because he was a divorced man, Margaret segued into a life of what we would now call heavy partying, impromptu musical performances and restless attempts to attain pleasure. In her time she was as feted and as famous as Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian. In 1960 she married the bohemian photographer Anthony Armstrong-Jones. They soon grew to hate each other and he treated her very badly, cheating on her with many men and women--and leaving nasty notes for her all over their home. The Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth loved him and failed to listen to the difficult Margaret when she complained about his behaviour.
In the 70s, Margaret's May-December romance with the hapless Roddy Llewellyn was fodder for gossip and exposed endlessly in the tabloids. Always difficult, often rude and disagreeable, she became a kind of national joke in the eyes of the world. By fifty her health and beauty were ruined by years of heavy drinking and smoking, and unlike her mother and sister she died relatively early at 70 after a series of strokes.
At Diana's funeral, unlike the Queen, Margaret barely acknowledged the coffin. It was said she never forgave the People's Princess for outing Charles and bringing shame on the House of Windsor. One can only imagine what her opinion of Meghan and Harry would have been. If only she had been able to write her own story, her own tell-all. But the Windsor habit of never complain, never explain prevailed and her sad tale has been left to biographers and hacks like Morton. What a shame.
In the 70s, Margaret's May-December romance with the hapless Roddy Llewellyn was fodder for gossip and exposed endlessly in the tabloids. Always difficult, often rude and disagreeable, she became a kind of national joke in the eyes of the world. By fifty her health and beauty were ruined by years of heavy drinking and smoking, and unlike her mother and sister she died relatively early at 70 after a series of strokes.
At Diana's funeral, unlike the Queen, Margaret barely acknowledged the coffin. It was said she never forgave the People's Princess for outing Charles and bringing shame on the House of Windsor. One can only imagine what her opinion of Meghan and Harry would have been. If only she had been able to write her own story, her own tell-all. But the Windsor habit of never complain, never explain prevailed and her sad tale has been left to biographers and hacks like Morton. What a shame.
November 26, 2022
TO TYLE: ❤❤❤
DZIĘKUJĘ, WKOŃCU COŚ NOWEGO TEMATYCZNIE W KSIĄŻKACH O ROYALSACH NA NASZYM RYNKU, BRAWO!
DZIĘKUJĘ, WKOŃCU COŚ NOWEGO TEMATYCZNIE W KSIĄŻKACH O ROYALSACH NA NASZYM RYNKU, BRAWO!
October 11, 2022
3.5. Smoothly written easy reading about (primarily) Princess Margaret, with a focus on her relationship with her sister. Not unfamiliar territory if you’ve watched The Crown, though author Morton is at pains to point out things the series got wrong. The psychodrama of the familial relationships was interesting, and a reminder that we are all three-dimensional people, even the wealthy and powerful. Much is made of the pull of duty, which is all very well, but then you remember that for some people, duty looks in part like this trip to South Africa, during which Elizabeth turned 21:
During the royal tour, students, civic dignitaries, and others had stood in traffic or on street corners shaking their collection boxes to raise money for a check to present to the princess on her birthday. In Johannesburg alone donations amounted to a whopping £140,000. At least these citizens had a choice in the matter. In Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, more than forty-two thousand schoolchildren has to contribute their weekly pocket money, whether they wanted to or not, toward a platinum brooch set with three hundred diamonds, which was duly presented to the princess. Saddest of all was an earlier incident when a skinny barefoot African ran after the royal car while waving what seemed like a piece of paper. For his pains the queen mother hit him with her parasol, and then police wrestled him to the ground. The impoverished fellow was only trying to give the millionaire princess his own contribution to her birthday - a ten-shilling note, at the time worth around $2.
…In total [on the trip] the royal family were given some 540 stones worth £200,000 ($10 million today). “Papa, Mummy and Margaret were all given diamonds on the last day, so we shall all be very grand when we come back,” Princess Elizabeth wrote to her grandmother. “I think there are no more beautiful diamonds left in South Africa.”
During the royal tour, students, civic dignitaries, and others had stood in traffic or on street corners shaking their collection boxes to raise money for a check to present to the princess on her birthday. In Johannesburg alone donations amounted to a whopping £140,000. At least these citizens had a choice in the matter. In Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, more than forty-two thousand schoolchildren has to contribute their weekly pocket money, whether they wanted to or not, toward a platinum brooch set with three hundred diamonds, which was duly presented to the princess. Saddest of all was an earlier incident when a skinny barefoot African ran after the royal car while waving what seemed like a piece of paper. For his pains the queen mother hit him with her parasol, and then police wrestled him to the ground. The impoverished fellow was only trying to give the millionaire princess his own contribution to her birthday - a ten-shilling note, at the time worth around $2.
…In total [on the trip] the royal family were given some 540 stones worth £200,000 ($10 million today). “Papa, Mummy and Margaret were all given diamonds on the last day, so we shall all be very grand when we come back,” Princess Elizabeth wrote to her grandmother. “I think there are no more beautiful diamonds left in South Africa.”
March 28, 2021
Sincere, intuitive, and captivating!
Elizabeth & Margaret is the candid, informative biography of Lilibet and Margaret. Two sisters whose lives were drastically changed when their father unexpectedly took the throne in 1936, their home suddenly became Buckingham Palace, and one became the heir apparent and would subsequently go on to become the longest-reigning British monarch of all time.
The writing is descriptive and vivid. The characters are special, unique, duty-bound, and intriguing. And the novel is a fascinating look into how two women with distinctive, individual personalities chose to live lives that were consistently under scrutiny and criticism.
I think in a time when royal fascination seems to be running high, Elizabeth & Margaret is an incredibly insightful look not only into the push-pull relationship between two sisters who seemed to genuinely admire each other but also the pressures, responsibilities, hardships, and luxuries they each individually experienced due to their respective positions and differing roles in the House of Windsor.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Elizabeth & Margaret is the candid, informative biography of Lilibet and Margaret. Two sisters whose lives were drastically changed when their father unexpectedly took the throne in 1936, their home suddenly became Buckingham Palace, and one became the heir apparent and would subsequently go on to become the longest-reigning British monarch of all time.
The writing is descriptive and vivid. The characters are special, unique, duty-bound, and intriguing. And the novel is a fascinating look into how two women with distinctive, individual personalities chose to live lives that were consistently under scrutiny and criticism.
I think in a time when royal fascination seems to be running high, Elizabeth & Margaret is an incredibly insightful look not only into the push-pull relationship between two sisters who seemed to genuinely admire each other but also the pressures, responsibilities, hardships, and luxuries they each individually experienced due to their respective positions and differing roles in the House of Windsor.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2022
An enjoyable deep dive into the relationship of the two Windsor sisters from beginning to end. There was a lot of info about Margaret, I felt more so than the Queen. It does make sense because Margaret’s nature lead to more scandals.
I liked being able to learn about both sisters at once! There were a few cute and funny moments that made me smile. And a lot of absolutely scandalous, “the mess of it all” moments scattered throughout.
AM did a great job portraying the figures in the story as complex, not pigeonholing one person to “bad” or “good”.
I liked being able to learn about both sisters at once! There were a few cute and funny moments that made me smile. And a lot of absolutely scandalous, “the mess of it all” moments scattered throughout.
AM did a great job portraying the figures in the story as complex, not pigeonholing one person to “bad” or “good”.
March 23, 2023
Ciekawe spojrzenie na rodzinę królewską z perspektywy dwóch sióstr, które tak bardzo się od siebie różniły, miały kompletnie inne role i pozycje, a mimo to trwały razem.
June 19, 2023
A good tribute of life of the two sisters
July 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It’s my first read by Andrew Morton but definitely won’t be my last.
The writing was very well done and the story flowed naturally between sisters so you got an equal share of each. It goes into greater detail of the bond and private lives of the sisters so I think fans of The Crown would really enjoy this book.
Overall a story of sisters that were best friends and fiercely loyal to one another.
Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The writing was very well done and the story flowed naturally between sisters so you got an equal share of each. It goes into greater detail of the bond and private lives of the sisters so I think fans of The Crown would really enjoy this book.
Overall a story of sisters that were best friends and fiercely loyal to one another.
Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 28, 2021
I just love reading about Princess Margaret, however this book did not introduce anything new about her life with the royal family. If you are a fan of The Crown, the story really is not all that different, for all people saying there is not a lot of truth to that show. Even in parts of the book it references the show if there were slight differences to the truth. Even though the book is titled Elizabeth & Margaret, the latter is the focus of this book especially in the second half. The book is fine, but if you have read or seen stories of the Princess, this will not add anything new.
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2022
The one thing that I can truly say about this book is does it ever pull on your heart. This was such a intimate and in depth look into one of the most unique sisterly relationships there ever was. A sisterhood that at one point was built out of equality at a young age shifted. When one sister is summoned to the highest calling there can be another sister is left in a different place. A good place maybe to the average person, but once your sister becomes a queen it’s so different. We are taken through the journey if their bond, their love for each other, and the heartbreak that comes with these responsibilities. I guess there is no such thing as a spoiler when it comes to history. What I can say with absolute confidence is that this book illustrates these incredibly hard emotional decisions really well. This book turns history into this beautifully written story of sisters, sisters who love each other so much. But what is incredible is how they both so clearly understood their duties. The duties they never chose but were born with. I read this book in literally two days because I was enthralled with what comes to some without asking. Such tremendous responsibility in such a huge scope. This book made all of it so easy to understand without avoiding the emotional component. If you love history I highly recommend this book.
January 17, 2024
Such a unique and well-researched perspective on the royal family! Learning about the Queen and Princess Margaret simultaneously and how they related to each other throughout their lives was fascinating. I’ll definitely be reading more of Andrew Morton’s books about the royal family.
April 8, 2021
I read Anne Glenconner's Lady In Waiting, about Princess Margaret, and so when I saw this book come out I was very interested. It definitely shows the craziness of "The Firm." I really do not have much sympathy for those born into royalty and whining about it. I get that it can be boring and lonely, but you're a freaking princess! Get over it. However, reading this and seeing how personal matters do not matter I maybe have a teensy bit of sympathy. Everything is about how things look for the Crown. The Queen was raised to never show emotion. When she had two little kids and had been gone for 6 months, she came back and shook hands with Charles and Anne. Shook their hands! What a cold upbringing for them. Margaret would also leave her children constantly. Margaret was the first to marry a commoner which I thought was interesting and she started a trend. Also, 3 of Queen Elizabeth's 4 children have divorced, which I also thought was interesting. If the Royals would just let people marry for love, much of the aggravation would be avoided. That's my takeaway.
February 21, 2021
The author has written several books about the royal family and is best known for his books on Diana. This book is an interesting read and dispels some of the myths contained in the series The Crown. The first half of the book is divided somewhat evenly between the two sisters and their relationship while the second half evolves into mostly a biography of Margaret and her loyalty to her sister. Those interested in the current royal family will find this book of particular interest.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.
May 4, 2021
While I found this book interesting, it also felt a little unbalanced. I think it would have been more accurate to title it "Margaret and Elizabeth" since it seems to concentrate much more on Margaret. Still, it was an interesting listen.
January 27, 2023
Andrew Morton, angielski dziennikarz i jeden z najbardziej znanych biografów, który wyjątkowo upodobał sobie brytyjską rodzinę królewską w swojej książce "Elżbieta i Małgorzata - prywatny świat sióstr Windsor" zagłębia się we wspólną historię królowej Anglii Elżbiety II i jej siostry księżniczki Małgorzaty.
To rzetelnie przedstawiona historia poparta licznymi źródłami, którą charakteryzuje dziennikarski obiektywizm - przynajmniej ja miałam takie odczucie.
Na pewno Morton ma niezwykły dostęp do często intymnych źródeł związanych z członkami rodziny królewskiej. Co, ciekawe przedstawił trochę inne spojrzenie na relacje między siostrami (w najbardziej przełomowych momentach życia)niż popularny serial The Crown.
Autor potrafi zainteresować i bez wysiłku wciąga czytelnika w ten świat.
Dwie wysoko urodzone kobiety, dwa zupełnie inne temperamenty i dwie różne role, które zostały dla nich rozpisane.
Elżbieta to ta spokojna, zdyscyplinowana i rzeczowa, schludna i metodyczna, zawsze godna zaufania.
Kochała konie i psy.
Małgorzata ciekawska, zabawna, psotna i żywiołowa, energiczna i krnąbrna, ale pełna uroku.
Kochała teatr, sztukę i zabawę.
Od najmłodszych lat pozycje sióstr były jasno określone. Elżbieta oddana służbie była "dumą" ojca, Małgorzata oddana przyjemnością, była dla ojca "radością".
Jedna była monarchinią, druga królową dramatów.
Obie dźwigały na barkach swój własny ciężar.
Elżbieta miała spełniać oczekiwania rodziny i społeczeństwa, Małgorzata miała możliwość w miarę swobodnej ekspresji.
"Siostry różniły się w poglądach i kłóciły się w sprawach błahych i ważnych, ale też się kochały. Owo napięcie między uczuciem a dystansem, głęboką miłością a zazdrością zdefiniowało w całości prywatny świat Elżbiety i Małgorzaty."
Skomplikowane relacje między siostrami utrzymywały się przez całe życie, ale
Elżbieta zawsze była troskliwa względem siostry, a Małgorzata była lojalna wobec Elżbiety.
Ta książka to podwójny portret kobiet, które troszczyły się o siebie najlepiej, jak potrafiły w rolach, który wyznaczył im los.
My ludzie z zewnątrz nie możemy wielu rzeczy dostrzec, bo naszymi opiniami często sterują media, nie mamy wglądu we wnętrze, nie mamy szansy na poznanie prawdy. A skłonność do oceniania w nas wielka.
Dziś, kiedy obserwujemy zaostrzający się konflikt między książęcymi braćmi, Williamem i Harrym, znów przypomina to podział na dobrego i złego członka rodziny królewskiej.
"W powszechnej wyobraźni każdy członek rodu Windsorów jest prześladowany przez cień (...)Dobry kontra zły członek rodziny królewskiej. Buntowniczy ekstrawertyk kontra rozsądny introwertyk." Coś w tym jest, prawda?
A ja osobiście czuję nutkę sympatii, zrozumienia i współczucia dla tych "drugich"😉😜.
Dobra lektura, którą polecam nie tylko fanom "royalsów".👍
To rzetelnie przedstawiona historia poparta licznymi źródłami, którą charakteryzuje dziennikarski obiektywizm - przynajmniej ja miałam takie odczucie.
Na pewno Morton ma niezwykły dostęp do często intymnych źródeł związanych z członkami rodziny królewskiej. Co, ciekawe przedstawił trochę inne spojrzenie na relacje między siostrami (w najbardziej przełomowych momentach życia)niż popularny serial The Crown.
Autor potrafi zainteresować i bez wysiłku wciąga czytelnika w ten świat.
Dwie wysoko urodzone kobiety, dwa zupełnie inne temperamenty i dwie różne role, które zostały dla nich rozpisane.
Elżbieta to ta spokojna, zdyscyplinowana i rzeczowa, schludna i metodyczna, zawsze godna zaufania.
Kochała konie i psy.
Małgorzata ciekawska, zabawna, psotna i żywiołowa, energiczna i krnąbrna, ale pełna uroku.
Kochała teatr, sztukę i zabawę.
Od najmłodszych lat pozycje sióstr były jasno określone. Elżbieta oddana służbie była "dumą" ojca, Małgorzata oddana przyjemnością, była dla ojca "radością".
Jedna była monarchinią, druga królową dramatów.
Obie dźwigały na barkach swój własny ciężar.
Elżbieta miała spełniać oczekiwania rodziny i społeczeństwa, Małgorzata miała możliwość w miarę swobodnej ekspresji.
"Siostry różniły się w poglądach i kłóciły się w sprawach błahych i ważnych, ale też się kochały. Owo napięcie między uczuciem a dystansem, głęboką miłością a zazdrością zdefiniowało w całości prywatny świat Elżbiety i Małgorzaty."
Skomplikowane relacje między siostrami utrzymywały się przez całe życie, ale
Elżbieta zawsze była troskliwa względem siostry, a Małgorzata była lojalna wobec Elżbiety.
Ta książka to podwójny portret kobiet, które troszczyły się o siebie najlepiej, jak potrafiły w rolach, który wyznaczył im los.
My ludzie z zewnątrz nie możemy wielu rzeczy dostrzec, bo naszymi opiniami często sterują media, nie mamy wglądu we wnętrze, nie mamy szansy na poznanie prawdy. A skłonność do oceniania w nas wielka.
Dziś, kiedy obserwujemy zaostrzający się konflikt między książęcymi braćmi, Williamem i Harrym, znów przypomina to podział na dobrego i złego członka rodziny królewskiej.
"W powszechnej wyobraźni każdy członek rodu Windsorów jest prześladowany przez cień (...)Dobry kontra zły członek rodziny królewskiej. Buntowniczy ekstrawertyk kontra rozsądny introwertyk." Coś w tym jest, prawda?
A ja osobiście czuję nutkę sympatii, zrozumienia i współczucia dla tych "drugich"😉😜.
Dobra lektura, którą polecam nie tylko fanom "royalsów".👍
April 25, 2022
4.5/5.0 Stars
Thank you to @grandcentralpub
and @andrewmortonbooks
for this early copy of #elizabethandmargaret
I spent this weekend with The Windsors and enjoyed every minute of it! I have always been a fan of history, especially of the British Monarchy, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed this book. Much of it admittedly, was a recap of prior known events for me, but I felt this book highlighted the unbreakable bond between Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. It also provided new insight into the struggles the Royal Family endured through WWII, through the divorces that plaqued them, and the scrutiny of the public eye while carrying out their duties.
Thank you to @grandcentralpub
and @andrewmortonbooks
for this early copy of #elizabethandmargaret
I spent this weekend with The Windsors and enjoyed every minute of it! I have always been a fan of history, especially of the British Monarchy, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed this book. Much of it admittedly, was a recap of prior known events for me, but I felt this book highlighted the unbreakable bond between Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. It also provided new insight into the struggles the Royal Family endured through WWII, through the divorces that plaqued them, and the scrutiny of the public eye while carrying out their duties.
April 25, 2021
I’ve been rather snooty in my belief that books by certain authors, such as Andrew Morton, are closer to celebrity tell-alls than biographies. But I’ve developed great respect for the Queen after watching The Crown on Netflix; and her relationship with her sister, Margaret, is one of the more fascinating aspects of the show. This book seems well-researched and not sensationalized. I see criticism in other reviews that it doesn’t cover any new ground, but since I haven’t read much about Queen Elizabeth & Princess Margaret, it was new to me. I’d recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed The Crown and wants a more detailed (and accurate) account.
June 30, 2021
This is a well-researched and well-written biography following the lives of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, two sisters defined by the British monarchy since childhood.
A culmination of research, including several interview and article quotes, help piece together the story behind their lives and weave assumptions to fill in the gaps from their growing up all the way to adulthood- facing war, scrutiny, gossip and hardship along the way.
Naturally, the push and pull between family and duty is a common theme throughout this book. Although the sisters have differing personalities with Elizabeth being more pragmatic and Margaret being more sociable, the respect and sense of responsibility is shared by both.
This is essentially the nonfiction version of the Netflix series, The Crown- with some notable differences and clarifications.
As someone who is interested in the British Royal Family but knows little of their history, this was the perfect read for me. I would highly recommend to anyone in a similar position.
A culmination of research, including several interview and article quotes, help piece together the story behind their lives and weave assumptions to fill in the gaps from their growing up all the way to adulthood- facing war, scrutiny, gossip and hardship along the way.
Naturally, the push and pull between family and duty is a common theme throughout this book. Although the sisters have differing personalities with Elizabeth being more pragmatic and Margaret being more sociable, the respect and sense of responsibility is shared by both.
This is essentially the nonfiction version of the Netflix series, The Crown- with some notable differences and clarifications.
As someone who is interested in the British Royal Family but knows little of their history, this was the perfect read for me. I would highly recommend to anyone in a similar position.
May 15, 2021
I learned a lot about Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret - and their parents. The book moved at a good pace for the most part, and there was certainly enough depth into the subjects themselves. It's difficult for me to review nonfiction, but I'm glad I read this book. Interesting stuff.
January 15, 2024
Elizabeth and Margaret were so different, yet they shared a sisterly bond. I learned so much more about Margaret. She had a crazy life.
February 26, 2024
4,75 ⭐ /5⭐
May 27, 2021
Andrew Morton’s book Elizabeth and Margaret was a good book. As I read the book. I had a better understanding of both sisters . A must read for anyone who likes books on royal family
June 12, 2022
very detailed and seemed nuanced (I don’t have a command of the facts to call anyone out lol). people are certainly contradictory.. princess Margaret seemed a mostly sympathetic, but also hypocritical figure
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