I hear the new King George VI was surprised by the visit and almost wept as his brother bowed to him as his subject before taking his leave.

He is headed to the continent, bound for Austria, where he will stay with friends. They say Mrs Simpson will remain in France until her divorce is finalized.

So, the King is dead. Long live the King.

The British public will be devastated, naturally. But we must present the new King as a phoenix from the ashes. Capable and respected. Strong and just. A family man with a good woman at his side and two beautiful daughters.

Prince Albert, Duke of York, second in line to the throne, is now King George VI.

Has there ever before been a year of three Kings?

I shall telephone you when I can, my darling.

Fondly,

Tommy

PS I think the idea of enlarging the new kitchen garden is an excellent one. Give Jennings the go ahead xx

145 Piccadilly, 12^th December 1936

The nursery was in shock. Alah, Bobo and Crawfie had sat huddled around the wireless the previous day, listening to the King’s abdication speech.

Today, the entire household ran as usual, as if on rails, but in stupefied disbelief.

The Duchess had taken to her bed, struck down by the flu she was so susceptible to. She had not been in Windsor as her husband had witnessed the final hours of the King’s reign.

This morning she had woken as a Queen.

After breakfast, Crawfie took the Princesses to see her. Her bedroom curtains were half drawn, allowing the weak December daylight to creep across the carpet.

‘Good morning, Your Majesty,’ Crawfie said with respect and a deep curtsey

‘Good morning,’ the new Queen croaked. She looked sallow against her peach pillows.

‘How are you, Mummy?’ Lilibet was all solicitude.

Margaret ran and jumped onto the bed, planting a kiss on her mother’s face. ‘Daddy’s going to be King.’

‘Yes, darling. I know.’

‘He telephoned and told us last night,’ said Margaret.

Lilibet sat on the edge of the peach-quilted counterpane. ‘I think he sounded a bit sad when he told us.’

‘Yes. I think he is a bit sad,’ the Queen agreed.

‘Why?’ asked Margaret.

‘Because he wanted Uncle David to stay as King.’

‘Why couldn’t he?’

Lilibet frowned at her little sister. ‘Because he loves Mrs Simpson.’

The new Queen lifted herself limply further up her pillows. ‘Darlings, this is all so difficult for Daddy. He needs us three to be good and look after him.’ She looked at Crawfie, who was waiting to be dismissed. ‘Isn’t that right, Crawfie?’

‘Indeed, ma’am.’

The Princesses snuggled up on either side of their mother. ‘Margaret and I will look after you, Mummy. And Crawfie too,’ Lilibet told her.

‘Yes.’ The new Queen stroked Lilibet’s hair gently. ‘You know, Crawfie, I started the year as a King’s daughter-in-law, then a King’s sister-in-law, and now I’m finishing the year as a Queen.’ She kissed Lilibet’s head. ‘The future looks so different for all of us.’