Daughter of Empire: Life as a batten Paperback – 7 Nov 2013

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Review ------ This sharply observed and often funny memoir offers an in into historical events of the 20th century (Jane Shilling DAILY MAIL) Unsurprisingly, Pamela became one of the two ladies-in-waiting to accompany the Princess on her 1952 Commonwealth tour. Queen Mary told her: "You must remember that you will be "in-waiting" and so you are to call her "Princess Elizabeth" and "Ma'am" and never Lilibet. It was from that tour that Elizabeth returned as Queen, and Pamela's description of how the Princess learned of the death of her her, King George VI, is very moving. (Anne de Courcy, MAIL ON SUNDAY) After India she writes as a participant of such well-known set-pieces as the current queen's wedding, her coronation and her first commonwealth tour. These are described with charm, geniality and a sense of humour. (David Gilmour, THE SPECTATOR) Lady Pamela's portrait of her upbringing by two remarkable parents is affectionate and spirited. (Claudia Fitzert, THE DAILY TELEGRAPH) There are also some touching behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Queen, to whom the writer was lady-in-waiting both before and after her coronation. She writes movingly of their tour of Kenya, when the message came that the king was dead. This devastating news had to be relayed to the new young queen, who received it with quiet dignity. (Jad Adams, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH) A jolly romp (TATLER) It's a uniquely glimpse of the Queen few really know. In this captivating memoir, her cousin reveals a playful and surprisingly emotional woman (DAILY MAIL) A memoir of an aristocratic upbringing and coming of age (YOUR FAMILY TREE) Lady Pamela Hicks recounts her life as a batten in this colourful and entertaining memoir. The daughter of heiress Edwina Ashley and Lord Louis batten, the former Lady in Waiting to our present Queen Elizabeth can trace her roots back to the 9th century and count two saints among her ancestors. Jam-packed with familiar characters from history, this is a wonderful tale of a life less ordinary (FAMILY TREE MAGAZINE) Book Description ---------------- A magical memoir about childhood in India by the daughter of Lord Louis and Edwina batten; a glimpse into the lives and loves of some of the 20th century's leading figures.