I Was Princess Margaret's Lady-in-Waiting and Am Telling All Her Royal Secrets – Including Our Boozy Near-Death Experience

Lady Anne Glenconner, who served as Princess Margaret’s lady-in-waiting for over three decades, has shared an intimate and revealing account of her time with the late royal in her new memoir, Manners and Mischief. One of the most gripping stories she recounts involves a harrowing flight to America that was nearly fatal. Caught in the middle of a fierce thunderstorm, Anne held tight to her seat while Princess Margaret, ever composed, patted her hand and calmly remarked, “Don’t worry, Anne, we’ll either die or we’ll live and that’s that, no point worrying about it, but I think perhaps we ought to have another drink.” This moment perfectly captures the princess’s unique blend of courage and wit. Glenconner’s memoir offers a rare glimpse into the glamorous yet sometimes chaotic world of the British royal family during what many consider the golden age of royal eccentricity. As a trusted companion, she witnessed firsthand Princess Margaret’s charm and unpredictability, traits that endeared her to many but also tested palace insiders. Despite Margaret’s high-profile status, Glenconner recalls her as “by far the easiest guest” to host, noting how the princess would bring her own maid when visiting Glenconner’s country homes, sparing her hostess from any fuss. Margaret enjoyed her comforts but also had a genuine sense of fun, making her a complex but beloved figure. Among the vivid memories shared is a night spent in the Scottish Highlands when Princess Margaret, dressed in a Victorian gown and bonnet, performed "Chattanooga Choo Choo" alongside her then-boyfriend Roddy Llewellyn. The princess clearly thrived in moments of spontaneity and joy, especially when accompanied by Roddy’s enthusiastic presence. The book also touches on a secretive trip Margaret took to France to visit her exiled uncle, the Duke of Windsor, and his wife, Wallis Simpson. This visit, kept hidden from the Queen Mother due to her deep disdain for the Windsors, highlights the complex family dynamics and tensions that shaped much of Margaret’s life. Lady Glenconner also reflects on a delicate moment of royal protocol during this French visit. Faced with the question of whether to curtsy to the Duchess of Windsor, who never held the HRH title, Glenconner sought Margaret’s advice. The princess’s casual encouragement to curtsy lightly speaks to her pragmatic approach to etiquette, balancing tradition with diplomacy. Outside formal royal duties, Princess Margaret’s tastes extended to cinema, with a fondness for rebellious films like "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Thelma and Louise". Glenconner interprets this preference as symbolic of Margaret’s own desire to challenge societal expectations. Despite her reputed imperiousness, Princess Margaret’s warmth and humor shine through Glenconner’s recollections. The princess disliked surprises but delighted in simple pleasures such as picnics, laughter, and a good drink. "Manners and Mischief" not only chronicles the antics and adventures of a remarkable royal life but also paints a portrait of a woman who was both regal and deeply human. Released on November 6, the memoir offers readers a candid, affectionate, and sometimes cheeky insider’s view of one of Britain’s most captivating figures.