Biography

June 5, 1909 · Gatehead, East Ayrshire, Scotland, UK

February 11, 1988 · Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK

Was the longtime governess of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret.

Although Crawford is often referred to as having "cashed in" on the British royal family by writing about them, historians believe this might not be entirely true, as the British government had specifically recommended her to write about Elizabeth and Margaret for the American press as a cultural exchange and to familiarize Americans with the expected future queen. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother had even given Crawford permission to contribute to articles anonymously, but her publishers used her name anyway.

After retiring from working for the British royal family, Crawford wrote articles of Elizabeth and Margaret for 'Ladies' Home Journal', which were later compiled into the book 'The Little Princesses'. Although her writings were innocuous and affectionate, they led to her being ostracized by the family, who never spoke to her again.

Crawford hoped for a reconciliation with Elizabeth and Margaret that never came to fruition. Crawford retired in a home in Aberdeen, Scotland, and the royal family would frequently drive past her front door on the way to Balmoral. She would sometimes stand outside when they passed hoping they would visit, but they never did. Neither Elizabeth nor Margaret sent a wreath to her funeral after she died in 1988.