I really do hope that the public cease to take him seriously and realize the truth – that his mental and moral development stopped dead when he was about fifteen, and that though he is a sad figure, he is no longer a particularly interesting one.

The sooner the coronation takes place, the better.

I do miss you, old thing.

Tommy

Buckingham Palace, 13^th May 1937

Dear Mother and Dad,

How are you both? I am glad to hear Dad’s tulips came up even after all the snow you had.

I have so much to tell you about the coronation yesterday.

The blossom in Hyde Park came out at the perfect time but was spoiled by last week’s damp weather, and we’ve had quite a lot of rain. I do pity those loyal people who slept in the parks and on the pavements the night before in order to catch a glimpse of the new King and Queen – they must have been soaked to the skin!

The Princesses were on best behaviour for the entire ceremony. I was so proud of them. By the time this letter reaches you, you have probably already seen the photographs in the newspapers. Weren’t their dresses pretty? Their first LONG dresses as Margaret proudly told me – and what about their ermine-edged cloaks and little coronets?

When they eventually got back to the Palace, it was onto the balcony to wave at the cheering crowds. When that bit was done, Alah provided sandwiches for the girls before the official photographs were to be taken. They were so tired that I thought another hour of standing and smiling might finish them off! I thought the King and Queen must be hungry too, but when I quietly suggested they might also like a sandwich, I was told that a light buffet had been set up in their ‘dressing rooms’ at the Abbey.

The Queen made me laugh. She whispered to me, ‘We are not meant to be human, Crawfie.’

And so, our lives have changed forever. And by that I mean the entire Commonwealth, not just we who serve in the household. I really feel that we are heading into a bright future with a modern monarchy, a proper family. May God bless them.

I have a little piece of personal news too. George surprised me last week with a letter telling me he was coming to London for work. He arrived three days ago although I have not managed to see him yet, what with all the ballyhoo going on, but he is taking me out for an early dinner tomorrow. It has to be early because I need to be with the girls in Windsor for the weekend. There is to be a garden party this Sunday, although after this week, I think they would all prefer some ordinary family time.

My love to you both.

Marion xx

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Royal Lodge, 16^th May 1937

Tommy stood on the platform at Windsor station, waiting for Joan’s train to arrive. The King and Queen were having a Garden Party at Royal Lodge to thank those who had had so much input into the smooth running of the coronation, and wives were included.