“The Little Princesses” by Marion Crawford – From a Nanny’s Perspective

Working a nanny myself, I felt professional resonance reading, “The Little Princesses” by Marion Crawford.  Reviewing “The Little Princesses” as a nanny is more than a dip into royal life — it’s an affirmation of the invisible, steady influence caregivers have on the next generation. Crawford’s role as a governess mirrors the emotional and practical responsibilities modern nannies carry and can relate to. 

“The Little Princesses” offers an intimate and unique lens into a world few will ever directly experience — the royal nursery of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle during the formative years of Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret. Written by their governess, Marion Crawford — affectionately known as “Crawfie” — this memoir provides not only historical insight but also professional validation, reflection, and inspiration for anyone in the caregiving profession.

Crawford was not just a teacher, but a moral guide, confidante, and emotional anchor. For a nanny, reading about the quiet but crucial influence she had on two young girls — one of whom would become queen — is a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact a caregiver can have.

Watching Elizabeth and Margaret grow from spirited girls into poised young women while navigating the expectations of royalty gives nannies a chance to reflect on child development in different contexts. The balance between discipline, affection, and freedom is as relevant today as it was in the 1930s and 1940s.

Every nanny who has loved and nurtured children will recognize the bittersweet tone in Crawford’s writing. Her deep affection for the princesses shines through, as does her heartbreak when her relationship with the royal family ended. It’s a poignant reminder of the emotional labor and sometimes painful boundaries that come with this profession.

“The Little Princesses” is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by British history or royal life. But through the eyes of a nanny, it becomes even more intriguing: not pomp and ceremony, but tea-time routines, bedtime stories, and the challenges of shielding children from the outside world during wartime.

Crawford’s decision to publish this memoir cost her the royal family’s favor, raising questions about loyalty, confidentiality, and the public’s right to personal stories. Many nannies have to sign confidentiality agreements. For nannies, it’s a reflective point: what do we owe the families we serve after we leave? And at what cost do we tell our stories?

I highly recommend “The Little Princesses” for nannies caring for children in private homes. Marion Crawford’s story is one of dedication, sacrifice, and love. Whether working in a private household or a palace, this book resonates with the heart of every nanny who knows what it means to help raise someone else’s children, while often remaining in the background.

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