I enjoyed this novel based on the real nanny for the boys who became Edward VIII and George VI, as well as their siblings. Includes sympathetic look at the youngest son who was epileptic and probably autistic.
The little known story of Prince John is delved into in this historical fiction. A sad story of Lala Bill, who spent most of her life being the Nanny to the Royal family of George V and Queen Mary, six children altogether. Any anglophiles and Royal family fans will enjoy this story.
Charlotte Bill was asked by the Duke and Duchess of York to be nursemaid for their children following cruel treatment of the oldest sons. As an assistant to that woman, Charlotte witnessed how she treated the boys, particularly before they came before their parents. This cruelty affected their development even as they grew into adults.
The children called her LaLa, a name bestowed by young Bertie who had trouble saying Charlotte. Her charges expanded to include the later children - Mary, George, Harry and John. LaLa became especially fond of the youngest, Prince John, treating him as her son.
Charlotte was a gentle loving individual who viewed her role as an important one because the parents were absent to often. She treated each child according to their personality.
good hard look at these young lives, the royal residences, their parents, grandparents, the furnishings, the ceremonies, the many things and lessons it took to be royal. The author introduced a love interest for Charlotte, Chad, even though there was no documentation that he existed. She felt that Charlotte must surely have had some romantic interest during her life.