Summary of Elisabeth Basford's Princess Mary

Book excerpt: Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The United Kingdom of 1897 was a far cry from the realm Victoria had inherited in 1837. By the end of her reign, Victoria was known as the Grandmother of Europe having over thirty living adult grandchildren. #2 Princess Mary’s mother was Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, known in the family as May. Princess May was the eldest child and only daughter of Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge and Francis, Duke of Teck. Francis was the child of a morganatic marriage, meaning that he had no rights of succession to the Kingdom of Württemberg. #3 The family returned to England in 1885, and made their home at White Lodge in Richmond. Princess Mary Adelaide was well known for her kindness towards her neighbors and the poor. She was eager that her children learn an empathy with those less fortunate. #4 The match between Eddy and May was announced in December 1891. May was shy and aloof, but Queen Victoria liked her and thought she was suitable for Eddy. However, Eddy had a dissolute life, and May had misgivings about the match.