How King Edward VIII abdication crisis fast-tracked Queen’s royal education

This is one of the first moments the Queen’s life threw the royal family into chaos — and she was too shy to speak up.

Elizabeth’s early education came from governesses, but following Edward’s abdication, it became a matter of urgency the princess be tutored in the constitution.

Lessons began at 13, with Sir Henry Marten, the vice-provost of Eton, who would cycle up to Windsor Castle to teach her and later, she visited him in his chaotic study, with books piled high and a pet raven that pecked his ear.

“This wizard’s cave was the closest that the future Queen ever came to going to school,” says biographer Robert Lacey and the princess was, at first, shy in offering answers.

The future Queen at her desk in her sitting room at Buckingham Palace in 1946. Picture: Hulton Archive/Getty

The royal sisters send message during the BBC's children program to the children who were being evacuated because of the World War II. Picture: AFP

An official portrait of the future Queen taken just before her 21st birthday in 1947. Picture: AFP

She diligently learned the history of the monarchy, Commonwealth and powers of parliament, taking copious notes on governmental rules as though she were the “ultimate civil servant – which in one sense, is just what this little girl was to become,” says Lacey, in Royal, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen’s father goes through the royal boxes in a study at Windsor Castle. Picture: Getty

The Queen with her father, King George VI in the gardens at Windsor Castle. Picture: Getty

There are not many children who study so narrowly and comprehensively for their future career, but the Queen would be called upon to use her newly-acquired knowledge much earlier than expected, when she acceded to the throne aged 25.

The Queen with her children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Picture: CORBIS

Prince Charles arrives at Gordonstoun School in Scotland for his first term in 1962. Picture: Central Press/Getty

Prince William on his first day at Eton. Picture: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Princess Charlotte arrives for her first day of school, with her brother Prince George and her parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at Thomas's Battersea in London. Picture: Aaron Chown, Getty

Her children, grandchildren and great-grand-children would be afforded a wider and slower education. The Queen and Prince Philip were keen for Prince Charles to live a more open life, attending Cheam prep school and then – somewhat against Elizabeth’s wishes – Philip’s alma mater Gordonstoun in Scotland, as well as Geelong Grammar’s Timbertop campus in Victoria, finishing up with a degree from Cambridge. Prince William would enjoy an even more “normal” education, attending Wetherby day school, Ludgrove boarding school, Eton and the University of St Andrews. Prince George is enrolled at St Thomas’ primary school in Battersea, London.

Originally published as How King Edward VIII abdication crisis fast-tracked Queen’s royal education