20th-century Britain

Lady in Waiting Summary of Key Points

Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown, by Anne Glenconner, is a captivating memoir that offers a unique glimpse into British aristocracy and royal circles through the lens of someone deeply entrenched within it. Anne Glenconner, born Lady Anne Coke, served as a maid of honour at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and was a lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret for over 30 years. Her story intertwines personal tragedy, aristocratic traditions, and the pressures of living in the public eye, providing readers with a nuanced perspective on the complexities of her position. From her unexpected inheritance of the family estate to her turbulent marriage and the loss of her sons, Glenconner’s resilience and loyalty to the Crown and her friend, Princess Margaret, shine through.