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Princess Mary: The First Modern Princess
'At last a biography of Princess Mary, the Queen’s aunt – and a good one ... She has long deserved a full study and in Elisabeth Basford, she has found a dedicated and sympathetic biographer, who has done her full justice' - Hugo Vickers.
Princess Diana is seen as the first member of the British royal family to tear up the rulebook, and the Duchess of Cambridge is modernising the monarchy in strides. But before them was another who paved the way.
Princess Mary was born in 1897. Despite her Victorian beginnings, she strove to make a princess’s life meaningful, using her position to help those less fortunate and defying gender conventions in the process. As the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, she would live to see not only two of her brothers ascend the throne but also her niece Queen Elizabeth II.
She was one of the hardest-working members of the royal family, known for her no-nonsense approach and her determination in the face of adversity. During the First World War she came into her own, launching an appeal to furnish every British troop and sailor with a Christmas gift, and training as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
From her dedication to the war effort, to her role as the family peacemaker during the Abdication Crisis, Mary was the princess who redefined the title for the modern age. In the first biography in decades, Elisabeth Basford offers a fresh appraisal of Mary’s full and fascinating life.
Princess Diana is seen as the first member of the British royal family to tear up the rulebook, and the Duchess of Cambridge is modernising the monarchy in strides. But before them was another who paved the way.
Princess Mary was born in 1897. Despite her Victorian beginnings, she strove to make a princess’s life meaningful, using her position to help those less fortunate and defying gender conventions in the process. As the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, she would live to see not only two of her brothers ascend the throne but also her niece Queen Elizabeth II.
She was one of the hardest-working members of the royal family, known for her no-nonsense approach and her determination in the face of adversity. During the First World War she came into her own, launching an appeal to furnish every British troop and sailor with a Christmas gift, and training as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
From her dedication to the war effort, to her role as the family peacemaker during the Abdication Crisis, Mary was the princess who redefined the title for the modern age. In the first biography in decades, Elisabeth Basford offers a fresh appraisal of Mary’s full and fascinating life.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 18, 2023
Informative.
I’ve been curious about Princess Mary for many years, because I have never come across any books about her. Until now.
The author realized that Mary was an extremely extensive letter writer and kept diaries throughout her life, so these were used as the thesis for this book.
And the book covers everything. From Mary’s birthday through her childhood; from her teenage years throughout her early adulthood; from her marriage through the birth of her two sons.
And the book covers the birth of her grandchildren and scandals that her sons lived through.
The book also contains the scandalous life of David (Edward VIII).
The book is a very positive view of her life, and fortunately for her, she has no personal notoriety and embarrassment to discover.
Altogether, the book is interesting and enjoyable.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
I’ve been curious about Princess Mary for many years, because I have never come across any books about her. Until now.
The author realized that Mary was an extremely extensive letter writer and kept diaries throughout her life, so these were used as the thesis for this book.
And the book covers everything. From Mary’s birthday through her childhood; from her teenage years throughout her early adulthood; from her marriage through the birth of her two sons.
And the book covers the birth of her grandchildren and scandals that her sons lived through.
The book also contains the scandalous life of David (Edward VIII).
The book is a very positive view of her life, and fortunately for her, she has no personal notoriety and embarrassment to discover.
Altogether, the book is interesting and enjoyable.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
March 23, 2022
This is the third biography of Princess Mary. The previous two are now out of print. The subtitle of this 2021 offering is ‘The First Modern Princess’ and after reading this well researched book, teeming with fascinating facts, l believe this claim to be true. The Princess Royal was the daughter of George V, sister of Edward VIII and George VI. But she has been relegated to the shadows of history unfairly. She championed women’s causes at a time when she could easily have lived a luxurious and privileged life and retired from public service entirely. Indeed, she married an exceedingly wealthy member of the peerage in Henry, Viscount Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood. But this member of the Royal family was truly modern because she probably defined herself through her work, much of which was hands-on.
Princess Mary was the patron of 50 organisations at the time of her death in 1965 - including the Girl Guides, YWCA, Red Cross and the British Legion, to name a few. She was committed to women’s health and education, and was the first woman Chancellor of a university - the University of Leeds. In addition, she was the recipient of 11 honorary doctorates. She demonstrated that women could work outside the home and adopt a public persona by training as a nurse in 1918 when she was 21, and later, by working tirelessly as the patron of the aforementioned charitable organisations.
Still, the fact remains that her reputation is slighted. Even today, in Downtown Abbey, she is maligned as a forlorn and insipid woman, struggling with an arranged marriage. Yet, such a portrayal is not borne out as fact in this biography. Perhaps part of the trouble resides with her rigid upbringing and her natural disposition towards reticence. She was a first class stoic: dignified, loyal and dutiful. Duty to her country, family and causes seemed more important to her than self advertisement and aggrandisement. In addition, she was not a great beauty and the world always remembers those. Cecil Beaton declared that she had ‘a determined lack of style’. But Sir Cecil, she had no lack of character or purpose, she didn’t need chic!
Away from her work Princess Mary was an accomplished horsewoman. She loved Yorkshire, the races and beautiful things, collecting objet d’art. Yet it was her work which should have made her iconic. She was the aunt of HRH Queen Elizabeth, who gave permission to reproduce Princess Mary’s letters and diary excerpts for this book. Indeed her voice is strongest in this biography when such extant evidence is used. The book would have been strengthened by more inclusions from letters, and a genealogy chart would have assisted the reader, especially those not familiar with the family tree of the House of Windsor / Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
Enlightening and Highly recommended.
Princess Mary was the patron of 50 organisations at the time of her death in 1965 - including the Girl Guides, YWCA, Red Cross and the British Legion, to name a few. She was committed to women’s health and education, and was the first woman Chancellor of a university - the University of Leeds. In addition, she was the recipient of 11 honorary doctorates. She demonstrated that women could work outside the home and adopt a public persona by training as a nurse in 1918 when she was 21, and later, by working tirelessly as the patron of the aforementioned charitable organisations.
Still, the fact remains that her reputation is slighted. Even today, in Downtown Abbey, she is maligned as a forlorn and insipid woman, struggling with an arranged marriage. Yet, such a portrayal is not borne out as fact in this biography. Perhaps part of the trouble resides with her rigid upbringing and her natural disposition towards reticence. She was a first class stoic: dignified, loyal and dutiful. Duty to her country, family and causes seemed more important to her than self advertisement and aggrandisement. In addition, she was not a great beauty and the world always remembers those. Cecil Beaton declared that she had ‘a determined lack of style’. But Sir Cecil, she had no lack of character or purpose, she didn’t need chic!
Away from her work Princess Mary was an accomplished horsewoman. She loved Yorkshire, the races and beautiful things, collecting objet d’art. Yet it was her work which should have made her iconic. She was the aunt of HRH Queen Elizabeth, who gave permission to reproduce Princess Mary’s letters and diary excerpts for this book. Indeed her voice is strongest in this biography when such extant evidence is used. The book would have been strengthened by more inclusions from letters, and a genealogy chart would have assisted the reader, especially those not familiar with the family tree of the House of Windsor / Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
Enlightening and Highly recommended.
March 15, 2023
Detailed insight into Princess Mary the Daughter of George V and sister of 2 Kings. How she did nursing in WW1 and always did the common good
February 28, 2021
I was intrigued by this book when I first saw it making the rounds on Instagram and Twitter- the royal community is fairly small, and it seemed to be getting good reviews. I downloaded it as soon as I saw it on Kobo and wasn't disappointed.
Daughter of George V, sister to Edward VII and George VI, aunt to Elizabeth II, Mary is in the background of many world events in the first half of the twentieth century, but we never hear about her. Basford has rectified that! Although she was a quieter person, Mary was a dedicated member of the royal family, and continually worked to provide a constant and hardworking image of the royal family, and Basford does a wonderful job of demonstrating that.
I appreciated learning more about Mary's family- I knew a little of her husband, but I think it was wise to learn more. (Basford does mention that the Downton Abbey movie portrayed it as a negative marriage multiple times, which felt slightly onerous.) I really knew nothing about her sons, and I think Basford covers them fairly. She also looks at her relationship with her brothers, another complex but fascinating dimension to her life.
My only slight trepidation with this book is that it does sometimes veer into hero worship. We are all humans with good and bad qualities, but Basford's approach leaves Mary nearly a saint. Not that I think she was a horrible person, but there is always a reason why something should be seen in her favour. (I would say that this could be chalked up to being a biography vs a history.)
Daughter of George V, sister to Edward VII and George VI, aunt to Elizabeth II, Mary is in the background of many world events in the first half of the twentieth century, but we never hear about her. Basford has rectified that! Although she was a quieter person, Mary was a dedicated member of the royal family, and continually worked to provide a constant and hardworking image of the royal family, and Basford does a wonderful job of demonstrating that.
I appreciated learning more about Mary's family- I knew a little of her husband, but I think it was wise to learn more. (Basford does mention that the Downton Abbey movie portrayed it as a negative marriage multiple times, which felt slightly onerous.) I really knew nothing about her sons, and I think Basford covers them fairly. She also looks at her relationship with her brothers, another complex but fascinating dimension to her life.
My only slight trepidation with this book is that it does sometimes veer into hero worship. We are all humans with good and bad qualities, but Basford's approach leaves Mary nearly a saint. Not that I think she was a horrible person, but there is always a reason why something should be seen in her favour. (I would say that this could be chalked up to being a biography vs a history.)
December 4, 2021
A well researched and very interesting biography about a Royal who isn't much talked about but should definitely be known to more people. Highly recommend.
my-royalty-book
January 25, 2023I never knew a Princess Mary's story. But reading this book it put me in perspective of how the Royal families always acted. She was the Queen's aunt And the sister of a Queen and a daughter of a king.
September 30, 2021
The author commented that a distinguished royal biographer warned him that there might not be much to say. He was certainly correct. This is not a scholarly and insightful examination of Princess Mary's life - it is an exhaustive list of "nice things" about her. Other than that, the author has very little to say about her. She stayed busy with her patronages; her health could be dicey.
Ms. Basford is no Pope-Hennessy or Wheeler-Bennett. I wonder if they would have had more to say.
I don't recommend this book except for a mild diversion.
Ms. Basford is no Pope-Hennessy or Wheeler-Bennett. I wonder if they would have had more to say.
I don't recommend this book except for a mild diversion.
April 16, 2022
2022 bk 94. I've always thought of Princess Mary as a figure in the shadows. History with its emphasis on male leadership placed her in shadows, but this biography does an excellent job of telling the world of her belief in duty to country and what she did to carry out those beliefs. She had choices, as an introvert, she could have stayed home, but she didn't. Mary provided leadership in all the ways that were not fully counted by history - when wounded and ill Brits needed blood - it was Mary who used her name and modeled what needed to be done for the media. It was Mary who lent her name and talents to the Girl Scouting movement and created an organization that was effective in teaching girls that they could do and be. And it was Mary, a royal, who during WWI took on one of the messiest and hardest jobs there is for a woman, that of nursing. People forget that she studied and qualified. Most of her work was with children, but that stood her in good stead through at least two wars as she also visited the wounded, diseased, and those suffering from PTSD - and worked to help them all. I am amazed and impressed by this woman and wish I had known more about her as our lives overlapped.
September 17, 2023
Talán az egyik legjobb királyi életrajz, amit eddig olvastam. Bővelkedik kontextusban, de azért nem veszik el a kötet alanya sem ebben, hanem segíti a megértést azoknak, akiknek fogalmuk sincs a királyi családról, de könnyen átugorható részekről van szó azoknak, akik nem akarják sokadik alkalommal is elolvasni a legevidensebb részeket. Sőt, a kontextus itt inkább olyan háttérre vonatkozik sokszor, akik kevésbé jelennek meg a fő trónutódlási ágon lévő családtagok életrajzaiban.
Maga Mária hercegnő alakja pedig érdekes, és mindenképpen érdemes erre a kötetre. Szerintem az eddigi legjobb forrás, amiből dolgoztam, bárcsak minden szerző tartaná magát a tényekhez, az alanyához, és mellőzné a rizsázást, ahogyan Basford is tette.
Maga Mária hercegnő alakja pedig érdekes, és mindenképpen érdemes erre a kötetre. Szerintem az eddigi legjobb forrás, amiből dolgoztam, bárcsak minden szerző tartaná magát a tényekhez, az alanyához, és mellőzné a rizsázást, ahogyan Basford is tette.
April 4, 2023
A fascinating look at the life of one of the lesser-known Royals of the 20th century.
May 7, 2021
Princess Mary, the Princess Royal lived through the reigns of six monarchs and yet not many books have been written about her until this one. The impressive research has made this a worthy read about one of England’s lesser-known members of the Royal Family. She trained and performed nursing duties during World War 1 and continued to show her support for returned soldiers and their families when it ended. She once again showed her support during World War 2. In 1922 her wedding dress train featured symbols such as a daffodil for Wales, a maple for Canada, a wattle for Australia, a fern for New Zealand etc. After the ceremony she left her bridal bouquet at the Cenotaph.
March 7, 2021
An interesting read, Princess Mary deserved her own biography and she was clearly the first modern Princess. Unfortunately there just isn't enough information about her nor the family dynamics, probably due to her very private nature.
September 2, 2021
Princess Mary, The Princess Royal, truly was the first modern princess. Despite the fact that she married a commoner and was relatively distant from the throne after Queen Elizabeth II's accession, she nonetheless worked hard on behalf of the Royal Family up until her death. She was an intelligent and fascinating woman and this is an excellent biography of her.
July 21, 2021
Recently I saw a book that caught my attention. Princess Mary – The First Modern Princess. Unknown to me, so time to change that. Princess Mary was a member of the British Royal Family. She was the sixth princess with the title Princess Royal. In the book we get to know Princess Mary well. Finally, you would almost say. Princess Mary, daughter of George V, sister of Edward VII and George VI, aunt of Elizabeth II to clarify the family connection.
Despite we little known about Mary, she was one of the hard-working royals of that time. It seems like it’s in the name of Princess Royal: Working hard. Princess Mary has always stood in the shadow of her two brothers. We all know the history with Edward and Wallis, Bertie who now had to become king. The first crisis that was widely covered in the media. Mary herself kept her activities low profile, little was reported about it, while the book tells us that Mary continued tirelessly, especially during the war.
Elisabeth Basford ensures that Mary’s story is known with this first and very complete biography. A story that should definitely be read. The biography has been well researched, many unknown sources have been used such as letters, diaries all with permission from the Royal Archives, Queen Elizabeth, family and friends. That means that the book has something special and gives a special glimpse into the life of Princess Mary. For example, Mary raised money to provide every soldier who fought in WWI with a 1914 Christmas gift box containing a “Best Wishes for a Happy New Year” card, a photo and tobacco/cigarettes or a pencil & stationery. In addition, Mary was Britain’s first working royal, as a nurse. Mary also appears to be the founder of a tradition at the British Royals: The royal brides who stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after their wedding ceremony to place a bouquet.
So we get to know not only her work for the charities, but also her titles and ranks. Perhaps more interestingly, her close relationship with her brother David (King Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor) is revealed about her family ties, such as her parents, George V and Queen Mary, and her husband Henry, Viscount Lascelles, not to mention her two sons.
I enjoyed reading this book. The life course of Princess Mary has been thoroughly and well researched, so as a reader you get a very good view of this hard-working royal. It is indeed true that she was the first princess to dedicate herself to the less fortunate. Things we later saw with Princess Diana and now by the Duchess of Cambridge.
In summary : A very complete biography. The author has an accessible way of writing, because it makes the book easy to read. The book is interesting, educational and pleasant to read. It introduces the reader in to the unknown world of this British Royal. The book will certainly contribute to more awareness of Princess Mary. Every one who is interested in royal and history should have this book on their bookshelf.
Despite we little known about Mary, she was one of the hard-working royals of that time. It seems like it’s in the name of Princess Royal: Working hard. Princess Mary has always stood in the shadow of her two brothers. We all know the history with Edward and Wallis, Bertie who now had to become king. The first crisis that was widely covered in the media. Mary herself kept her activities low profile, little was reported about it, while the book tells us that Mary continued tirelessly, especially during the war.
Elisabeth Basford ensures that Mary’s story is known with this first and very complete biography. A story that should definitely be read. The biography has been well researched, many unknown sources have been used such as letters, diaries all with permission from the Royal Archives, Queen Elizabeth, family and friends. That means that the book has something special and gives a special glimpse into the life of Princess Mary. For example, Mary raised money to provide every soldier who fought in WWI with a 1914 Christmas gift box containing a “Best Wishes for a Happy New Year” card, a photo and tobacco/cigarettes or a pencil & stationery. In addition, Mary was Britain’s first working royal, as a nurse. Mary also appears to be the founder of a tradition at the British Royals: The royal brides who stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after their wedding ceremony to place a bouquet.
So we get to know not only her work for the charities, but also her titles and ranks. Perhaps more interestingly, her close relationship with her brother David (King Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor) is revealed about her family ties, such as her parents, George V and Queen Mary, and her husband Henry, Viscount Lascelles, not to mention her two sons.
I enjoyed reading this book. The life course of Princess Mary has been thoroughly and well researched, so as a reader you get a very good view of this hard-working royal. It is indeed true that she was the first princess to dedicate herself to the less fortunate. Things we later saw with Princess Diana and now by the Duchess of Cambridge.
In summary : A very complete biography. The author has an accessible way of writing, because it makes the book easy to read. The book is interesting, educational and pleasant to read. It introduces the reader in to the unknown world of this British Royal. The book will certainly contribute to more awareness of Princess Mary. Every one who is interested in royal and history should have this book on their bookshelf.
May 25, 2021
Most 21st century readers are unfamiliar with the life of the Queen’s aunt, Princess Mary, Princess Royal and the Countess of Harewood. Overshadowed in the headlines by her four brothers, two of whom were kings, she kept a relatively low media profile whilst still working tirelessly in support of the Crown, charities and public service through both World Wars and until her sudden death in 1965 when she was just 67.
Elisabeth Basford offers the first full biography of Princess Mary’s life, meticulously researched and using correspondence and diaries never previously accessed, made available to her by the Royal Archives and Mary’s family and friends. Not only does it detail her many charity patronages and honorary military ranks and titles but also examines her very close relationship with her parents, George V and Queen Mary, her recalcitrant brother David (the Duke of Windsor), her loving husband Henry, Viscount Lascelles and two sons.
It is fascinating to learn that Mary was responsible for raising funds to provide every serving Empire soldier with a gift Christmas tin in 1914 which included a card with “best wishes for a victorious new year”, a photo and either tobacco/cigarettes or a pencil & stationery.
She was the first British royal to work professionally as a nurse, was the first female university chancellor in Britain and worked tirelessly for the advancement of women’s education. She also instigated the still observed tradition of royal brides stopping by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after their wedding ceremony to place a remembrance bouquet.
Despite the fictional antipathy portrayed between Princess Mary and her husband in the recent Downton Abbey movie, the Harewoods were devoted to each other and though not publicly demonstrative with their love, had a very happy marriage indeed notwithstanding their 15 year age difference. After marrying, Mary took to being the chatelaine of the expansive Harewood House estate outside Leeds with aplomb, gradually being accepted and seen by the people of Yorkshire as one of their own.
On multiple occasions over the years, she stood in for her mother, her brother & sister-in-law (George VI and Queen Elizabeth) as well as her niece Elizabeth II as a Counsellor of State, when they were ill, pregnant or out of the country on extensive tours. She undertook her own substantial royal tours of Canada, Africa and the Caribbean, overseeing independence ceremonies and celebrations in Zambia and Trinidad & Tobago, often attending up to five separate official events in a day, making speeches at each, despite her being naturally shy and reticent to engage with big crowds.
Princess Mary is a most informative and revealing portrait of an admirable, previously widely unlauded Windsor and makes a welcome contribution to the canon of royal historical biography.
Elisabeth Basford offers the first full biography of Princess Mary’s life, meticulously researched and using correspondence and diaries never previously accessed, made available to her by the Royal Archives and Mary’s family and friends. Not only does it detail her many charity patronages and honorary military ranks and titles but also examines her very close relationship with her parents, George V and Queen Mary, her recalcitrant brother David (the Duke of Windsor), her loving husband Henry, Viscount Lascelles and two sons.
It is fascinating to learn that Mary was responsible for raising funds to provide every serving Empire soldier with a gift Christmas tin in 1914 which included a card with “best wishes for a victorious new year”, a photo and either tobacco/cigarettes or a pencil & stationery.
She was the first British royal to work professionally as a nurse, was the first female university chancellor in Britain and worked tirelessly for the advancement of women’s education. She also instigated the still observed tradition of royal brides stopping by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after their wedding ceremony to place a remembrance bouquet.
Despite the fictional antipathy portrayed between Princess Mary and her husband in the recent Downton Abbey movie, the Harewoods were devoted to each other and though not publicly demonstrative with their love, had a very happy marriage indeed notwithstanding their 15 year age difference. After marrying, Mary took to being the chatelaine of the expansive Harewood House estate outside Leeds with aplomb, gradually being accepted and seen by the people of Yorkshire as one of their own.
On multiple occasions over the years, she stood in for her mother, her brother & sister-in-law (George VI and Queen Elizabeth) as well as her niece Elizabeth II as a Counsellor of State, when they were ill, pregnant or out of the country on extensive tours. She undertook her own substantial royal tours of Canada, Africa and the Caribbean, overseeing independence ceremonies and celebrations in Zambia and Trinidad & Tobago, often attending up to five separate official events in a day, making speeches at each, despite her being naturally shy and reticent to engage with big crowds.
Princess Mary is a most informative and revealing portrait of an admirable, previously widely unlauded Windsor and makes a welcome contribution to the canon of royal historical biography.
June 30, 2024
I own a digital copy of this book but listened to the audiobook via Audible.
Brief Summary: A biographical look at the life of Princess Mary, aunt to Queen Elizabeth II and sister to kings Edward VIII and George VI.
Thoughts: Brasford did a very good job of painting a picture of who Princess Mary was in public and to a slightly lesser extent who she was in private. The reflections of her personality highlighted by her descendants and her brother David's accounts helped to flesh out her private persona. There is a fine line between historical reflection and invasion of privacy, which is a delicate dance for biographers of the royal family and I do think that Brasford accomplished this task well. The more biographies I read on the Windsor royal family the more that I am coming to realize that there is not enough distance to truly get an overall picture of the person (within their marital family and the Royal Family) and their cultural impact. Part of this is likely due to the lack of some sources being released and another is the Victorian sentiment of destroying information that is too personal (see the destruction of Victoria's diaries by her daughter). This book is the exception to this.
I think that the greatest achievement of this book is Brasford's exploration of Mary's place within her family. Although, Brasford does not provide a psychological analysis of Mary in any way you do get a sense of her various characteristics based on the evidence provided. Mary valued her familial connections, which is not only demonstrated in the way that she kept in touch with John but how she attempted to keep David informed of family events after his abdication. Reading between the lines it appears that she saw herself as a bit of a fixer within her family. I also think that her sense of duty to the role in which she was born is also clear given her work as a nurse and the way she continued as a working royal well into her 60s. Given what Brasford highlights about decisions Mary made throughout her life that continue to play a role in the ceremonial practices of the royal family today it is fascinating that Princess Mary has been so sidelined in modern memory.
If you want an account of how the royal family has a larger impact on the world, this is not the book for you as it is a more intimate portrait of one member of the royal family. However, if you are a fan of the royal women, I would recommend you pick up a copy of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Infidelity, Pandemic/Epidemic, Addiction, War, Pregnancy, Car accident, Child death, Death of a parent, Emotional abuse, Classism, Death, Fatphobia, Drug abuse, and Grief
Minor: Colonisation and Xenophobia
Brief Summary: A biographical look at the life of Princess Mary, aunt to Queen Elizabeth II and sister to kings Edward VIII and George VI.
Thoughts: Brasford did a very good job of painting a picture of who Princess Mary was in public and to a slightly lesser extent who she was in private. The reflections of her personality highlighted by her descendants and her brother David's accounts helped to flesh out her private persona. There is a fine line between historical reflection and invasion of privacy, which is a delicate dance for biographers of the royal family and I do think that Brasford accomplished this task well. The more biographies I read on the Windsor royal family the more that I am coming to realize that there is not enough distance to truly get an overall picture of the person (within their marital family and the Royal Family) and their cultural impact. Part of this is likely due to the lack of some sources being released and another is the Victorian sentiment of destroying information that is too personal (see the destruction of Victoria's diaries by her daughter). This book is the exception to this.
I think that the greatest achievement of this book is Brasford's exploration of Mary's place within her family. Although, Brasford does not provide a psychological analysis of Mary in any way you do get a sense of her various characteristics based on the evidence provided. Mary valued her familial connections, which is not only demonstrated in the way that she kept in touch with John but how she attempted to keep David informed of family events after his abdication. Reading between the lines it appears that she saw herself as a bit of a fixer within her family. I also think that her sense of duty to the role in which she was born is also clear given her work as a nurse and the way she continued as a working royal well into her 60s. Given what Brasford highlights about decisions Mary made throughout her life that continue to play a role in the ceremonial practices of the royal family today it is fascinating that Princess Mary has been so sidelined in modern memory.
If you want an account of how the royal family has a larger impact on the world, this is not the book for you as it is a more intimate portrait of one member of the royal family. However, if you are a fan of the royal women, I would recommend you pick up a copy of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Infidelity, Pandemic/Epidemic, Addiction, War, Pregnancy, Car accident, Child death, Death of a parent, Emotional abuse, Classism, Death, Fatphobia, Drug abuse, and Grief
Minor: Colonisation and Xenophobia
October 30, 2021
Princess Diana is seen as the first member of the British royal family to tear up the rulebook, and the Duchess of Cambridge is modernising the monarchy in strides. But before them was another who paved the way.Princess Mary was born in 1897. Despite her Victorian beginnings, she strove to make a princess’s life meaningful, using her position to help those less fortunate and defying gender conventions in the process. As the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, she would live to see not only two of her brothers ascend the throne but also her niece Queen Elizabeth II.
She was one of the hardest-working members of the royal family, known for her no-nonsense approach and her determination in the face of adversity. During the First World War she came into her own, launching an appeal to furnish every British troop and sailor with a Christmas gift, and training as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital.Princess Mary's public duties reflected her concerns with nursing, the Girl Guide movement, and the Women's Services.
From her dedication to the war effort, to her role as the family peacemaker during the Abdication Crisis, Mary was the princess who redefined the title for the modern age."For Mary,it was not enough merely to support a charitable enterprise:she derived more fulfillment in seeing the fruition of active involvement.For her,royal patronage had to involve longevity of commitment, dependability and permanence throughout her lifetime."
"She had love for her family, devotion to duty, and commitment to the Monarchy." She married Henry Lascelles, Viscount Lascelles (later the 6th Earl of Harewood), in 1922. Mary was given the title of Princess Royal in 1932. During WWII, she was Controller Commandant of the Auxiliary Territorial Service. The Princess Royal and the Earl of Harewood had two sons, George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood, and The Honourable Gerald Lascelles.After her husband's death in 1947, the Princess Royal lived at Harewood House with her elder son and his family. She became the chancellor of the University of Leeds in 1951, and continued to carry out official duties at home and abroad.
She was one of the hardest-working members of the royal family, known for her no-nonsense approach and her determination in the face of adversity. During the First World War she came into her own, launching an appeal to furnish every British troop and sailor with a Christmas gift, and training as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital.Princess Mary's public duties reflected her concerns with nursing, the Girl Guide movement, and the Women's Services.
From her dedication to the war effort, to her role as the family peacemaker during the Abdication Crisis, Mary was the princess who redefined the title for the modern age."For Mary,it was not enough merely to support a charitable enterprise:she derived more fulfillment in seeing the fruition of active involvement.For her,royal patronage had to involve longevity of commitment, dependability and permanence throughout her lifetime."
"She had love for her family, devotion to duty, and commitment to the Monarchy." She married Henry Lascelles, Viscount Lascelles (later the 6th Earl of Harewood), in 1922. Mary was given the title of Princess Royal in 1932. During WWII, she was Controller Commandant of the Auxiliary Territorial Service. The Princess Royal and the Earl of Harewood had two sons, George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood, and The Honourable Gerald Lascelles.After her husband's death in 1947, the Princess Royal lived at Harewood House with her elder son and his family. She became the chancellor of the University of Leeds in 1951, and continued to carry out official duties at home and abroad.
May 4, 2024
[30 Oct 2022] The first biography of Princess Mary, the Countess of Harewood. An important and much neglected member of the Royal family. The late Queen Elizabeth's aunt - the only sister of King George VI. The need for this book is clear and the market is obvious - so that makes this offer so disappointing. It is a classic biography written in chronological order with much new information that is was easy to read and engaging. However the further in you read the more you think - did this book never get anywhere a copy editor. There are so many errors (in my opinion), ranging from the minor typographical (p214 'our' should be 'out',) to issues of style and content.
Let me start with the discussion of Mary's mother - the future Queen Mary, where the author states 'she would have looked forward to becoming the Queen of England.' There has not been a Queen of England since the eighteenth century - the terms England being used to mean United Kingdom of Great Britain is sloppy, alienates the non-English Britons and is incredibly irksome. Then there are the several references to rumours about the Earl of Harewood - but no exploration of what they were? Then the reference to his several operations - what they were for is not revealed? The work of Princess Mary is set out but you get no sense of her emotional life, relationships, personal interests or hobbies. The author slips into being relatively unquestioning and at times sycophantic. Everyone loved her, she was so generous, etc I thought there was limited balance or analysis.
Her family (two sons) pop up at the end with limited impact and almost as an after thought. A family tree would have been helpful. It is a competent biography (in fact, the only one on Princess Mary around), but does it truly explore the individual? It is interesting, informative, well researched, but at times the language lacks sparkle and you end up thinking - didn't a copy writer read this before it went to press? and the prose can be clunky and stodgy. That distracted from enjoyment of the book.
Let me start with the discussion of Mary's mother - the future Queen Mary, where the author states 'she would have looked forward to becoming the Queen of England.' There has not been a Queen of England since the eighteenth century - the terms England being used to mean United Kingdom of Great Britain is sloppy, alienates the non-English Britons and is incredibly irksome. Then there are the several references to rumours about the Earl of Harewood - but no exploration of what they were? Then the reference to his several operations - what they were for is not revealed? The work of Princess Mary is set out but you get no sense of her emotional life, relationships, personal interests or hobbies. The author slips into being relatively unquestioning and at times sycophantic. Everyone loved her, she was so generous, etc I thought there was limited balance or analysis.
Her family (two sons) pop up at the end with limited impact and almost as an after thought. A family tree would have been helpful. It is a competent biography (in fact, the only one on Princess Mary around), but does it truly explore the individual? It is interesting, informative, well researched, but at times the language lacks sparkle and you end up thinking - didn't a copy writer read this before it went to press? and the prose can be clunky and stodgy. That distracted from enjoyment of the book.
July 10, 2022
Princess Mary, later Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, was born in 1897 as the third child of the then Duke and Duchess of York, later King George V and Queen Mary. She was born during the reign of her great-grandmother Queen Victoria and subsequently lived in six reigns - that of her great-grandmother, grandfather, father, two brothers, and finally that of her niece Queen Elizabeth II.
She went on to marry the future Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood, in 1922, and they had two sons together. Mary was known for her charitable works, and many people still have the Princess Mary Christmas gift box, which was sent out to all members of the Armed Forces in 1914.
Princess Mary: The First Modern Princess by Elisabeth Basford is the first full-length biography of Princess Mary. Elisabeth Basford has finally brought Mary back to life, and we are treated to a wonderfully researched book with tons of information. Princess Mary truly was one of a kind, and this book certainly shows that. However, at some points in the book, the information becomes a little dry, and it might be a little boring for some. As Mary did not have any significant scandals and such, you won't find much drama here. But then again, I do not think one needs scandal in order to be worthy of being written about. (For some reason, I am often asked, 'But what did she DO?' when I tell people I am writing about a certain person)
Another minor disappointment for me is the cover of this book. She is completely unrecognisable to most people as it is, but this photo makes it even worse. Surely something better could have been found?
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and applaud the fact that someone dove into Princess Mary to give us this excellent book.
She went on to marry the future Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood, in 1922, and they had two sons together. Mary was known for her charitable works, and many people still have the Princess Mary Christmas gift box, which was sent out to all members of the Armed Forces in 1914.
Princess Mary: The First Modern Princess by Elisabeth Basford is the first full-length biography of Princess Mary. Elisabeth Basford has finally brought Mary back to life, and we are treated to a wonderfully researched book with tons of information. Princess Mary truly was one of a kind, and this book certainly shows that. However, at some points in the book, the information becomes a little dry, and it might be a little boring for some. As Mary did not have any significant scandals and such, you won't find much drama here. But then again, I do not think one needs scandal in order to be worthy of being written about. (For some reason, I am often asked, 'But what did she DO?' when I tell people I am writing about a certain person)
Another minor disappointment for me is the cover of this book. She is completely unrecognisable to most people as it is, but this photo makes it even worse. Surely something better could have been found?
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and applaud the fact that someone dove into Princess Mary to give us this excellent book.
January 11, 2023
Avlesser know princess is brought to life
This was an interesting read about a princess about whom I knew nothing at all. (I'm slightly surprised that she wasn't a more familiar figure to me at least by reputation, since I grew up in Yorkshire, though admittedly not in the immediate vicinity of either Goldsborough Hall or Harewood House.)
I was astonished how many public engagements she carried out, in spite of her intense shyness, and I can only applaud her dedication to nursing and her efforts to highlight the need for higher education to be more inclusive of women. I also liked reading about the family dynamics between George V's children, especially how Mary maintained contact with her brother David after he abdicated. On an intergenerational level, it was interesting to see how differently Mary was treated from her siblings, all of whom were male.
For the vast majority of the book, I found it informative and presented in such a way as to keep my interest. However, one of the final chapters, entitled "The Later Years" was really little more than a list of engagements. Although this emphasised Mary's dedication to her role as a member of the Royal Family (a point evident from the rest of the book), it seemed to lack any other insight into her personality. Another improvement would have been a bibliography. There are notes indicating the sources of various pieces of information, but these are much harder to search through for ideas for further reading or to check the details of a book than a proper alphabetically arranged bibliography. It is, nevertheless, an informative, worthwhile read.
This was an interesting read about a princess about whom I knew nothing at all. (I'm slightly surprised that she wasn't a more familiar figure to me at least by reputation, since I grew up in Yorkshire, though admittedly not in the immediate vicinity of either Goldsborough Hall or Harewood House.)
I was astonished how many public engagements she carried out, in spite of her intense shyness, and I can only applaud her dedication to nursing and her efforts to highlight the need for higher education to be more inclusive of women. I also liked reading about the family dynamics between George V's children, especially how Mary maintained contact with her brother David after he abdicated. On an intergenerational level, it was interesting to see how differently Mary was treated from her siblings, all of whom were male.
For the vast majority of the book, I found it informative and presented in such a way as to keep my interest. However, one of the final chapters, entitled "The Later Years" was really little more than a list of engagements. Although this emphasised Mary's dedication to her role as a member of the Royal Family (a point evident from the rest of the book), it seemed to lack any other insight into her personality. Another improvement would have been a bibliography. There are notes indicating the sources of various pieces of information, but these are much harder to search through for ideas for further reading or to check the details of a book than a proper alphabetically arranged bibliography. It is, nevertheless, an informative, worthwhile read.
December 9, 2025
In the book's epilogue Elisabeth Basford tries to challenge the view, of another fellow royal biographer, that she wasn't going to find much to write about Princess Mary, and then starts reminiscing about what she wrote. I'm sorry to say I do concur with her fellow biographer that the information she found didn't merit a book at all. The situation is so dire she mimics a court circular of Princess Mary's engagements, where she travelled, whom she saw, and needs to fill the gaps with purchases, decorations and more trivia that, again, didn't merit the paper where it was written.
This is, of course, not Basford's fault. Or maybe it is, Ridley, Pope-Hennessy, Noel, etc. would have done better. But even so, not all royals are newsworthy, or even interesting enough as to have their lives recorded for posterity. Princess Mary chose to be an asset for the family, and never to engage in anything scandalous that might add more drama to the British royal family amidst 2 world wars, and an abdication. There was enough of that.
The only chapter that picked my interest was the one about the abdication since it was treated from her point of view instead of from politicians and the royals whose lives were impacted by the event. That was indeed worth a thorough reading, especially since she had access to her letters and diaries.
Sadly I can't say as much for the rest of the book, at some point I simply started skimming through all her royal visits, if you edit them all, this 266 pages edition would have been closer to 100 pages for yes, it was that bad.
All in all, an arid reading that add nothing whatsoever, and not one I would recommend others to read.
This is, of course, not Basford's fault. Or maybe it is, Ridley, Pope-Hennessy, Noel, etc. would have done better. But even so, not all royals are newsworthy, or even interesting enough as to have their lives recorded for posterity. Princess Mary chose to be an asset for the family, and never to engage in anything scandalous that might add more drama to the British royal family amidst 2 world wars, and an abdication. There was enough of that.
The only chapter that picked my interest was the one about the abdication since it was treated from her point of view instead of from politicians and the royals whose lives were impacted by the event. That was indeed worth a thorough reading, especially since she had access to her letters and diaries.
Sadly I can't say as much for the rest of the book, at some point I simply started skimming through all her royal visits, if you edit them all, this 266 pages edition would have been closer to 100 pages for yes, it was that bad.
All in all, an arid reading that add nothing whatsoever, and not one I would recommend others to read.
November 12, 2021
If anyone is looking how to be an effective, working member of the royal family then look no further then Princess Mary (Princess Royal). Only daughter of George V and Queen Mary she found a way to find meaning in her title and work. During WWI she worked as a nurse, no job was too small or menial for her willingness to do it. Every charity she was involved with felt her presence and interest in the work they were doing. Naturally shy, she found ways to over come by promoting women's education, girls guides, nursing and even promoted donating blood when it was desperately needed. She won the hearts of Yorkshire after her marriage to the Earl of Harewood where locals would find her grocery shop with her ration coupons. She managed to maintain relationships with all of her family, including the brother who abdicated, and was a companion to her mother during their widowhood together. Princess Mary is very impressive sans a royal title, but she deserve so much respect for charting her own path to a meaningful life. I think Princess Anne, current Princess Royal, has taken a page or two from Princess Mary. As she should.
March 20, 2022
I enjoyed reading this new biography of King George V's only daughter, Princess Mary, Countess of Harewood who is little known today outside of the heavily fictionalised portrayal in the Downton Abbey film. Basford highlights Mary's rapport with members of the royal family, especially her mother Queen Mary and eldest brother King Edward VIII and her wide range of charities and interests, especially her support for women's post-secondary education. There are detailed descriptions of her Commonwealth tours in the 1950s and 1960s, representing her niece Queen Elizabeth II. Much of the book is devoted to Princess Mary's life at Harewood House, her marriage and her sons, who were high in the line of succession at the time of their births and led interesting and unconventional lives. I would have liked to have read more about Princess Mary's views on current events during her lifetime but the author notes that her diaries are "rather bland and devoid of opinion" so there are limits to the source material! Recommended to anyone interested in learning more about this little known princess and her role in the royal family.
August 30, 2021
Excellent Biography of Queen Elizabeth's Aunt
I found this book fascinating and well researched/written. Some reviewers seemed bored with the minutiae of her life but I didn't consider it so. That is because the details on offer were mostly her myriad service projects in a time of great societal and historical change. She was patron of over fifty charities and the first woman chancellor of a university (Leeds). She was a trained nurse who did much during WWI and WWII to ease the suffering of many. The last chapter in the book explaining the value of her legacy sums it up perfectly. Before there was Princess Margaret, Anne or Diana, Princess Mary (sister of Prince Edward VIII and George VI) was setting the stage for female royal service and many traditions of the modern British monarchy. And she was kind, approachable, thoughtful and willing to muck in when necessary. I knew nothing about her before reading this and am now a great admirer. Thank you to the author for a well done job on someone who needs to be better appreciated.
I found this book fascinating and well researched/written. Some reviewers seemed bored with the minutiae of her life but I didn't consider it so. That is because the details on offer were mostly her myriad service projects in a time of great societal and historical change. She was patron of over fifty charities and the first woman chancellor of a university (Leeds). She was a trained nurse who did much during WWI and WWII to ease the suffering of many. The last chapter in the book explaining the value of her legacy sums it up perfectly. Before there was Princess Margaret, Anne or Diana, Princess Mary (sister of Prince Edward VIII and George VI) was setting the stage for female royal service and many traditions of the modern British monarchy. And she was kind, approachable, thoughtful and willing to muck in when necessary. I knew nothing about her before reading this and am now a great admirer. Thank you to the author for a well done job on someone who needs to be better appreciated.
March 17, 2023
I found this book fascinating and well researched/written. Some reviewers seemed bored with the minutiae of her life but I didn't consider it so. That is because the details on offer were mostly her myriad service projects in a time of great societal and historical change. She was patron of over fifty charities and the first woman chancellor of a university (Leeds). She was a trained nurse who did much during WWI and WWII to ease the suffering of many. The last chapter in the book explaining the value of her legacy sums it up perfectly. Before there was Princess Margaret, Anne or Diana, Princess Mary (sister of Prince Edward VIII and George VI) was setting the stage for female royal service and many traditions of the modern British monarchy. And she was kind, approachable, thoughtful and willing to muck in when necessary. I knew nothing about her before reading this and am now a great admirer.
May 18, 2025
A forgotten member of the Royal family. The Princess Royal at the time she was as hard working as the current Princess Royal is today. A shy person, she was very kind, well liked by all who met her and took her roles very seriously. She lived through troubled times: two world wars, the abdication of her brother, and the death of two beloved monarchs. Mary fought hard for the education of women, encouraged people to donate blood and was filmed donating herself, and trained as a nurse specialising in children.
The author has written many interesting biographies and this is another one. Full of detail, anecdotes and quotes from people who worked with or for her, friends and family. Brought the subject to life.
The author has written many interesting biographies and this is another one. Full of detail, anecdotes and quotes from people who worked with or for her, friends and family. Brought the subject to life.
October 21, 2021
I'm always fond of reading books about royals and I have encountered mentions of Princess Mary in biographies of her father, mother and brothers so I was all ready to read this. Princess Mary was a nice lady, but not a lot of consequence happened to her. So the author describes every room in every house Mary lived in and every bit of clothing in every event she took part in. I got to the point where my eyes glazed over and I flipped the screen of the Kindle faster and faster looking for something that was interesting. But for the most part, it just wasn't there.
February 3, 2022
What a disappointment! Whilst I appreciate the author did not have a vast amount of information to work with, the style of writing was rather heavy and very dry. This was particularly evident in describing the charities the subject worked with, and the numerous foreign tours undertaken. Towards the end of the book I felt it was the views of the author being expressed rather than actual fact.
Many of the sentences were grammatically poor in construction which is not what I expect in an authors work.
In summary, a heavy, dry book which could have been written in a better style.
Many of the sentences were grammatically poor in construction which is not what I expect in an authors work.
In summary, a heavy, dry book which could have been written in a better style.
November 29, 2021
Excellent biography of the only daughter of Queen Mary. The family peacemaker, trained as a nurse to actively participate in “war work”, married into a grand estate in York, and never put a foot wrong. Princess Mary’s son, George, became a world renowned opera expert …and was held prisoner at Colditz in WWII. A successful life balanced by the constraints of time; she lived through six royal reigns and was the aunt of Elizabeth II.
January 28, 2022
The life of Princess Mary is one I knew nothing about. Her service to crown and country is often overlooked. As a life long Girl Scout, I was particularly interested in Mary's pivotal role in the Girl Guide movement in Britain. She was a feminist before her time in the true sense of the word while maintaining her dignity and propriety. Before Diana assumed the title, Mary was The People's Princess.
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