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Preview
  • The Final Curtsey

  • A Royal Memoir by the Queen's Cousin
  • By: Margaret Rhodes
  • Narrated by: Jennifer M. Dixon
  • Length: 5 hrs and 9 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (30 ratings)

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The Final Curtsey

By: Margaret Rhodes
Narrated by: Jennifer M. Dixon
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Summary

A Sunday Times number one bestseller in the United Kingdom, this is the intimate and revealing autobiography of Margaret Rhodes, first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and niece of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Margaret was born into the Scottish aristocracy, into a now almost vanished world of privilege. Royalty often came to stay, and her house was run in the style of Downton Abbey. During the Second World War, she "lodged" at Buckingham Palace while she worked for MI5. She was a bridesmaid at the wedding of her cousin, Princess Elizabeth, to Prince Philip. Three years later, the King and Queen attended her own wedding, in which Princess Margaret was a bridesmaid.

In 1990, she was appointed as a lady-in-waiting to the Queen Mother, acting also as her companion, which she describes in touching detail. In the early months of 2002, she spent as much time as possible with her ailing aunt and was at her bedside when she died. The next morning, she went to Queen Elizabeth's bedroom to pray, and in farewell dropped her a final curtsey. The Queen Mother regarded Margaret Rhodes as her "third daughter," and she has been extremely close to her cousins, the Queen and Princess Margaret, throughout their lives. Full of charming anecdotes and fascinating characters, this is an unparalleled insight into the private life of the British monarchy.

©2012 Margaret Rhodes (P)2022 Tantor
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What listeners say about The Final Curtsey

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting account behind the royal scene

An interesting account of what life is like close to the royal family. Memoirs of the Queen Elizabeth the second’s life with other family members.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Royalty

What a very very enjoyable listen I really enjoyed every word , Thankyou for sharing it

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Margaret

A lovely book from the queens cousin Margaret Rhodes. Not just about the queen but about Margaret’s own life and family.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Banal

Very short and at times self indulgent. Not worth the money I spent on a credit.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Such a beautiful listen

Forget formality and stuffiness. Immerse yourself in a family history so steeped in importance and place.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A unique perspective

I enjoyed every word. The authors relationship with the Queen, her cousin, was obviously very special.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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boring

deeply boring don't waste your time drags on and on in such a monotone voice

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    2 out of 5 stars
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A total waste of money. .

It is boring and a true struggle. This marvellous woman ....save youre money and buy something else

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