I am a bit of a closet royalist despite 30 years living in Australia, so I was very eager to read this book for some gossip on the life of Princess Margaret. I could not wait for it to be available in a book shop in Australia. So, I purchased the audible version. It was a disappointment. There is a good reason that actors read these types of books. Lady Glenconner, whilst very affable on Graham Norton [that is what sucked me into buying the book] has a flat delivery and seemed to be in a hurry to get to the next sentence.
It is a good read though and I confess I loved it. Aristocrats stuff up their lives just like we peasants do but if they are all like Lady Glenconner they just do not seem to realise it. Anne Glenconner was married for 50 years to a bullying, manipulative and thoroughly spoilt man who was clearly in need of psychiatric treatment. The book is worth buying just to read about his incredible toddler tantrums on aeroplanes and sexual debauchery. Her loyalty was all to no avail however because he disinherited her and left his fortune to a man servant….and she was suprised!. She devoted her life to him and to Princess Margaret and left her sons to the care of nannies and consequently failed miserably. A rum lot they turned out to be. Neglect, death and drug addiction were the consequences of her misplaced loyalty.
Time and again when Princess Margaret beckoned, she rushed to her instead of taking care of her sons.
It was fun to read but for me this book was spoilt by some petty and unkind words regarding the then Governor General of Australia, Sir Roden Cutler VC. She poked fun at his chivalry and old school values. Big mistake. Australians hold Sir Roden Cutler, close to their hearts. He was war hero and holder of the VC at the age of 25 in World War ll and a perfect gentleman. She should be ashamed of her words. The shady characters in her book, whilst amusing cannot hold a candle to him. To her discredit even in the picture section she can’t resist a snide remark. I believe she is coming to Australia, good luck with that Lady Glenconner. Don’t mess with our National Treasures if you want to flog your book.
