Elisabeth Basford

I picked up this book because I’ve always wondered how the Lascelles branch of the Royal Family became ostracized from the rest of the family. However, since this is the typical fawning officially authorized story, only the barest bones of the actual scandal is revealed – to wit Mary’s son, George had a child outside of wedlock while married, was the first Royal to get a divorce and then was ostracized from all family events.

I find this highly ironic in light of the activities of the royal family in the past 25 years. Sic transit gloria Isn’t it time for them all to go?… (más)

At last, a long-overdue biography of George V and Mary's only daughter lets us into a life that has previously remained elusive. Elisabeth Basford is to be commended for an eminently readable book that details every aspect of the princess's life. Shy and retiring, Princess Mary had the appearance of being aloof in photographs. In real life, she was anything but. Her public engagements, foreign travel, and work with the armed forces helped to lay the groundwork for the public of lives of many of today's royals.

Absolutely fascinating!… (más)