Someone hawking a book filled with lies. Maybe he should have done a bit of research to make his lies believable.
But some of the most revealing new evidence has come from interviews I conducted in the early Eighties, and am publishing for the first time, with a former housemaid, Agnes Cook.
She and her mother were servants at Mrs Keppel’s London house in Portman Square from the 1890s to the 1920s, and the detailed memories of this remarkable woman — who was in her late 80s when I interviewed her.
The Keppels did not live in Portman Square from 1890s to 1920.
Their first home is listed as 7 Haikin Street West. This was the home of Alice's mother.
In 1893 Alice's mother moved to 2 Wilton Terrace.
From 1890s to 1900 they lived at 2 Wilton Crescent.
From 1900 to 1910 they lives at Portman Square.
From 1910 to 1924 they lives at 16 Grosvenor Street.
The Keppels were not hard up.
Alice came from a wealthy family and yearly received money from a trust fund. They may not have been rich but that is reflected in their housing.
Her yearly income from the trust fund would have more than covered the lease on the house and the staff.
During their first year as a newly married coupled they live with Alice's mother or took over her residence.
When Violet was born in 1894 the Keppels were living in 2 Wilton Crescent. (Just yards from Alice's mother at 2 Wilton Terrace.)
In 1899, Alice became pregnant with Sonia and they leased 30 Portman Square.
2 Wilton Crescent was a much nicer house and in a better neighborhood than Portman Square.
Clearly a case of tightening the belt. 2 Wilton Crescent is still standing, 30 Portman Square was torn down.
In 1910 they moved to the less fashionable area of Grosvenor street. The house was larger to accommodate the dancing and dining for Violet's debut. The house was a commercial property that was on a main street without a garden or green space.
The 1901 census does not list an Agnes Cook, nor an Agnes nor a Cook as one the Keppel servants.
Sonia lists the maids at Portman Square during her childhood as Kate & Peggy. Bessie and Janet as the maids at Grosvenor in 1920. No Agnes.
Agnes Cook would have been born around 1895. The youngest woman employed in 1901 was 20 not 6.
The entire Keppel family was trusted by the BRF. Henry, Colin, Marie, Maria, Meita, Arnold, Gertrude, Elizabeth, Walter, Derek, Bridget, George and Alice etc.
Alexandra preferred her family and stayed abroad for extended periods. Alexandra had Victoria as her trusted companion and Edward had Alice as his trusted companion (not his mistress.). Approved and sanctioned by Alexandra and probably chosen by Alexandra.
FYI, Edward had been impotent since 1895. (Regardless he would never have chosen Alice as a mistress due to her Keppel connection.) A simple comparison between Alice and Edward's known mistresses would show the clear difference.
The picture of the woman lounging is not Alice, I believe it is Lily Langtry.
Note the date.
The picture of the couple walking is not Alice & George Keppel but George's brother Arnold & his wife Gertrude.