The King's Speech

The 1930s are “the most tumultuous decade of the twentieth century” (101), though they are a time of peace and calm for the Duke, who is becoming more involved in the functioning of the monarchy. His two daughters—Elizabeth and Margaret—are “rapidly turning into media stars” (101). Logue and his family move to a more expensive house in Sydenham. Their children are growing up; the family has several servants but takes in lodgers to cover the costs. The Duke requires Logue’s services less often but the two remain in touch. After March 1932, they go two years without an appointment.

As the Great Depression takes hold, the royal family must “be seen to make sacrifices (although largely symbolic ones)” (104). Logue’s business suffers. Though the Duke made a point of recommending Logue to friends, Logue remains “careful not to be seen to be trading on his royal connection” (105). Logue feels confident enough to begin a new practice in a larger clinic. They have a one-off meeting in 1934, at which the Duke re-affirms that he is improving.

Logue’s fame is growing during this period and he appears occasionally in newspaper and magazine articles. He sets up the British Society of