Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconner Summary

Lady in Waiting is a memoir by Anne Glenconner, chronicling her life as a British aristocrat, confidante to Princess Margaret, and survivor of personal tragedies. It spans her childhood on a grand estate, her 30-year service as the Princess’s lady-in-waiting, and her role in transforming Mustique into a celebrity haven, while navigating a turbulent marriage and devastating family losses.

This book appeals to royal history enthusiasts, memoir readers, and anyone fascinated by British aristocracy. It offers a unique blend of insider royal anecdotes, personal resilience stories, and vivid accounts of 20th-century high society, making it ideal for fans of The Crown or biographies like The Diana Chronicles.

Yes—its candid portrayal of Princess Margaret’s private life, paired with Glenconner’s unflinching account of familial struggles, provides both historical insight and emotional depth. Critics praise its wit and balance of glamour with tragedy, calling it “a golden cage memoir” with universal themes of survival.

Glenconner served as Princess Margaret’s lady-in-waiting for over 30 years, acting as a trusted companion, organizer, and confidante. She accompanied the Princess on royal tours, managed her schedule, and provided emotional support during public scandals and health declines.

With her husband Colin Tennant, Glenconner transformed Mustique from a remote Caribbean island into a luxury retreat for elites. They hosted Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Princess Margaret, who built a home there, cementing its reputation as a playground for the wealthy.

She recounts her volatile marriage to Lord Glenconner, who left his fortune to a former servant; nursing a son back from a six-month coma; and the deaths of two adult sons. Her narrative underscores resilience amid privilege.

• “We were brought up not to throw in the towel but to bite the bullets and fold towels neatly”: Reflects aristocratic stoicism.
• “Things have a habit of working out…you must never force them”: Highlights her pragmatic outlook.

The book depicts Margaret as witty, rebellious, and vulnerable, challenging her public image as a “royal spoiled brat.” Glenconner shares intimate moments, like their shared laughter and Margaret’s struggles with loneliness.

Some reviewers note a focus on aristocratic eccentricities over deeper introspection, and a reluctance to critically analyze the monarchy’s role in perpetuating class inequality.

Unlike salacious tell-alls, Glenconner’s memoir balances royal gossip with raw personal history, offering a rare dual perspective of life as both an insider and an outsider within elite circles.

Glenconner’s life exemplifies enduring adversity with dignity—from navigating a loveless marriage to rebuilding after loss. Her story emphasizes adaptability and finding purpose through service.

It illuminates timeless themes: the complexities of female agency in male-dominated systems, the cost of privilege, and the universality of grief—all framed within a disappearing aristocratic world.