Letters from Clementine Churchill to her husband. Clementine Churchill's second front

There are couples, looking at which one wants to exclaim: here she is, real love! And just such a couple, who went through all the obstacles and difficulties that any marriage abounds with, were Winston and Clementine Churchill - the true English lord and lady. They carried mutual love, tenderness, affection and devotion to each other through their entire more than fifty years of living together.

Winston and Clementine Churchill

They met in the summer of 1904 at one of the aristocratic receptions. Clementine Hozier was nineteen and in the prime of her classic, majestic beauty. Winston, who was eleven years older, next to the lily-like girl looked like a trained bear that had escaped from the circus; but he, who never knew how to court women beautifully, had his trump cards in his pocket. However, at that memorable reception for both of them, they did not get to know each other properly - he was silent and just looked at her without looking away, driving the young girl into the blush with his intent and heavy gaze ...

The second time they met only four years later, and again Winston did not prove himself an efficient gentleman. However, this time they nevertheless began to meet, and five months later the future Prime Minister of Great Britain decided to introduce Clementine to his relatives. He invited the girl to the family estate of the Dukes of Marlborough, but even there, in the midst of beautiful nature, he could not overcome his stiffness, and for all three days he and Clementine did not approach each other, as Winston expected, but only moved away.

Churchill was in such despair from the realization of the failure of his mission that on the third day of his stay at the estate he did not even want to get out of bed. He sat, sullenly frowning and wrapped in a blanket, and looked at one point. It was no easier for Clementine - this time next to her was the one she really liked to the point of madness. Before Winston, she had already broken off three engagements and was now waiting for an offer that should finally make her happy! But instead, she had to drink coffee alone in the cafeteria and think about what she did wrong ...

The Duke of Marlborough himself saved the situation: he literally pulled his cousin out of bed. Instructed by a formidable warning: “Winston, if you don’t confess your feelings to her now, then I’m afraid you will never have such an opportunity!” Churchill trudged downstairs, where Clementine was in thought: wouldn't it be better for her to return to London?

Winston invited the girl to see the rose garden, but here the confidence in his eloquence again left him. In addition, a thunderstorm began and they had to take refuge in the gazebo. The chilled lovers sat, waiting for the downpour, and ... were silent, although the time and place for the proposal were the most suitable. Clementine watched despondently as the beetle crawled across the floor for half an hour, inexorably approaching a crack in the stone floor. “If Winston doesn’t propose to me before that unfortunate beetle crawls to the crack,” thought the girl, “he will never do it!”

Churchill nevertheless got ahead of the slow insect, and after five days the radiant lovers announced to their relatives that they were engaged and that they did not intend to delay the wedding. However, everyone who knew Winston closely was sure that this marriage was destined for a short life: the groom, according to the world, was not created for family ties. Oh, how wrong were all those who predicted the imminent collapse of this union! Winston and Clementine lived in perfect harmony for fifty-seven years, and in his memoirs Churchill writes: "I got married in September 1908 and have lived happily ever since."

Clementine liked far from everything in her husband: Winston did not part with whiskey and cigars, he could disappear for days in a casino, and then just as enthusiastically engage in politics; her husband wrote books and traveled all over the country - but she did not try to criticize his character. Yes, it was not easy for her, but it was never boring either!

In addition, Clementine did not make a common mistake of many - she did not try to remake her husband in her own way, but simply accepted her beloved as he was, and this was the key to a long life. happy life the Churchills. Different in character and taste preferences, they nonetheless got along well. Winston was a typical night owl, and Clementine got up early in the morning, so they never had breakfast together. Later, the prime minister, famous for his wit, would say: “Joint breakfasts are something that no one can stand family union!»

However, their family boat bore any storms. It is known that Winston Churchill did not accept a single important political decision without consulting his wife - is this not a sign of the highest trust between spouses? The wife's lively interest in her husband's worries was not just an empty phrase - Clementine really delved into all issues and was interested in every little thing.

It was Clementine who wrote the historic letter to Churchill in 1940, beginning with the words: “You are simply impossible!” In it, she warned her beloved, but stubborn and self-confident husband from the worst thing that can happen to a politician and what almost happened to the all-powerful prime minister: he began to slide into the abyss of authoritarianism, stopped listening to the opinions of others and was critical of himself .

Lady Churchill did not live in the shadow of her famous husband- No, this woman was quite self-sufficient! She personally led many initiatives. In particular, the “Red Cross Fund for Aid to Russia” worked under her leadership, and it was largely thanks to Clementine’s talent that the fund raised a simply gigantic amount for those times - about eight million pounds sterling!

All this money, down to the last penny, was invested in medicines, clothes, equipment for hospitals, and Clementine Churchill celebrated Victory Day 1945 in Moscow! The Soviet government appreciated the work of the wife of the Prime Minister of Great Britain and awarded her with the Badge of Honor and the Order of the Red Banner of Labour.

In addition to the awards she received in Soviet Russia, Clementine Churchill was also awarded in her homeland. In 1965 she received the title of Baroness Spencer-Churchill. Moreover, the title was awarded to her herself, and not to her famous husband, and thereby recognized her outstanding services both to the UK and in numerous international charitable committees and foundations.

Per long years life together the love and amazing fidelity and devotion of these two not only did not fade away, but seemed to flare up more and more. Over the fifty-seven years of their life together, Winston and Clementine wrote each other about seventeen hundred letters, notes, telegrams, and almost each of these memorable messages contains the lines: “I love you!”, “I miss you”, “I am waiting for your letters, and those that I received, I reread again and again ... "

Winston Churchill, whose caustic and well-aimed remarks many were frankly afraid of, was so gentle and affectionate with his wife that he literally could not live a day without his Klemm ... No wonder Churchill's biographers are unanimous in their opinion: Churchill was always very lucky in politics, but most of all he was lucky with his wife. Winston himself once wrote to Clementine: “My greatest success in life was to find you and live with you!”

There was, perhaps, no politician in the foreign history of the twentieth century more popular and more weighty than Winston Spencer Churchill. From the family of the Dukes of Marlborough, a participant in the Anglo-Boer and World War II, he did a lot and did a lot, and not only for Great Britain. Volumes have been written about him, and he himself told a lot about himself. But today it is not about him, or rather not only about him. I was interested in the woman who had been with him for fifty-seven years. This is his wife Clementine Churchill, née Heuser, from the noble Scottish family of Airlie.

She was born on April 1, 1885 and was 11 years younger than Winston. Clementine was fluent in German and French, had a sharp mind and a subtle sense of humor, was interested in politics. The family was not rich, and Clementine gave French lessons. But at 23, the girl was also picky, she ruined three engagements.

And Churchill at this time, already a little settled down, apparently decided that it was time to get married. But Winston was one of those people whose shortcomings were immediately visible, and whose virtues were discovered a little later. And although life experience he was already rich, with women Winston was a bear a bear: no beautiful courtship for you, no compliments for you. He was above all a warrior, and too straightforward to be considered a gentleman. And over the past two years, he has already received three rejections. In addition, the brides understood that the main woman for the applicant would be Her Majesty Politics.

Let's not stir up the past of those unfortunates who could not discern such a wonderful party in the wayward and conceited gentleman.

Yes, and once again Churchill almost blundered, almost replaced Clementine for a bath. The fact is that he was invited to an appointment with a lady who ten years ago helped the young lieutenant join the Sudanese expedition. Thanks to the fact that the secretary shamed his boss, Winston got an appointment with Lady St. Helier, who turned out to be Clementine's aunt.

The niece, they write, also did not want to attend the reception, since she did not have fashionable dress. But the sky ordered - and they met! This happened in March 1908. It turns out that fate had already brought them together four years ago at the same ball, but since Churchill did not yet know how to dance, the agile gentleman took the beauty away from him.

Already in August of the same year, he proposed to Clementine. The groom for that time was very extravagant and peculiar, and therefore Clementine again almost refused! But still, on August 15, 1908, Deputy Minister Churchill announced his wedding.

High society issued a summary: this marriage will last six months, no more, and the marriage will fall apart because Churchill was not created for family life.

But it turned out differently: they lived 57 years in love and fidelity!

Roy Jenkins wrote: "It is simply phenomenal that Winston and Clementine - these offspring of windy ladies - created one of the most famous marriage unions in world history, known both for their happiness and their fidelity."

Churchill's biographers write that he was often lucky, but most of all he was lucky with his wife!

And family life began. What he just didn’t get up to: wrote books, learned to fly a plane, spent nights away in a casino, losing and winning back fortunes, led political life country, drank an exorbitant amount of whiskey, smoked Havana cigars endlessly, devoured kilogram dishes!

But Clementine did not try to curb her husband, correct his shortcomings and remake his character, as a less intelligent woman would try to do. She accepted him for who he was.

An uncompromising and stubborn politician near his wife became a meek youth. And she became for him an ally, the first adviser and true friend. She was not easy with him, but she was never bored.

Churchill talked a lot, never listening or even hearing anyone. She found a wonderful way to communicate with him. The wife wrote letters to her husband. A total of 1,700 letters and postcards were written. And their youngest daughter Marie then published these lines of love.

I must also say that the wife was a lark, and her husband was an owl. This is partly why they never had breakfast together. Churchill once said that joint breakfasts are a test that no family union can withstand. They rested most often apart: she loved the tropics, and he preferred extreme sports.

One gets the impression that a wise wife did not flicker before her husband's eyes, did not reshape him in her own way, but was always there when he wanted it.

And in the house, in fairness, it must be said, very often his call was heard: “Clemmy!” By the way, they also slept in different bedrooms.

Once, speaking to Oxford students, Clementine said: “Never force husbands to agree with you. You will achieve more by continuing to calmly adhere to your beliefs, and after a while you will see how your spouse will quietly come to the conclusion that you are right.

They plunged into crises, became poor and became rich again, but their union was never questioned, and their spiritual closeness only grew stronger over the years.

In September 1941, Clementine appealed to the British to support the USSR:
“We are amazed at the power of Russian resistance!” From 1941 to 1946, she, as president of the Red Cross Fund for Aid to Russia, made the first contribution, and then members of her husband's government did so.

At first, the Russian Relief Fund planned to raise 1 million, but managed to raise many times more: about 8 million pounds. No “non-liquid” or second-hand, everything is only of high quality and the most necessary: ​​equipment for hospitals, food, clothes, prostheses for the disabled.

Before the very victory of Clementine, for a whole month and a half, from April 2 to mid-May, she was in the Soviet Union. She visited many cities - in particular, Leningrad, Stalingrad, Odessa, Rostov-on-Don. She was also in the house-museum of A.P. Chekhov in Yalta.

Having met Victory Day in Moscow, Clementine spoke on Moscow radio with an open message from Winston Churchill. For her work in helping our country, Clementine was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor. She also met with Stalin, who gave her a gold ring with a diamond.

Until now, historians are perplexed why Clementine was in the Soviet Union for so long. After the war, Winston Churchill published a six-volume work on World War II, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1953.

I admit that Churchill, in order not to sin against the truth, instructed his wife to look at the consequences of the war with her own eyes, for Winston trusted no one in his life more than her. She, of course, did not collect facts: others did, but her opinion for the prime minister was always decisive.

After her husband's death, Clementine became a member of the House of Lords and a life peer as Baroness Spencer-Churchill-Chartwell. This amazing woman died on December 12, 1977, having lived for 92 years.

Good sons who love and respect their mother become good husbands. So thought Lady Blanche, blessing her daughter Clementine to marry Winston Churchill. And she was not mistaken - this happy marriage, which became a model of loyalty and devotion, lasted more than half a century.

great british

Winston Churchill, a descendant of the eminent 16th-century sea pirate Sir Francis Drake and commander the Duke of Marlborough, was born into the family of a famous British politician. Having received a prestigious military education at that time, the young man became interested in journalism.

He took part in the Anglo-Boer War and, having escaped from captivity, returned to his homeland. national hero. Winston wrote a book about the heroism of the English soldiers, which became a bestseller. By the time he met his future wife, Churchill was already a rising politician.

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The refined taste of the representative of the "blue blood" raised her to the icon of the British style for many years. In addition, Clem was witty, had an excellent sense of humor, and was well versed in politics. Since her family was not rich, after graduating from the Sorbonne, she had to earn extra money - she gave French lessons.

At the age of 23, this lady was quite prudent and picky, refusing three gentlemen who proposed to her. Probably, fate was destined to meet that long-awaited and only ...

First meeting

Clem singled out this sweet and clumsy man from the crowd, but a sense of tact did not allow the girl to take the first step. Since that time, the memory of him settled in her soul. Their next meeting was destined to take place only after four long years.

Offer at the Temple of Diana

Churchill was also invited to another social event, but his uncle persuaded Winston to keep him company. This is how sometimes accidents give birth to a long and happy fate.

By that time, Churchill was already a deputy minister, learned to behave uninhibitedly and was known as an interesting interlocutor. This time, he not only invited Clem to dance, but also managed to interest her in an entertaining conversation. And the girl saw in him a kind, gentle, and most importantly, a promising contender for her hand and heart.

The young man invited Miss Hozier to stay at the family estate of the Dukes of Marlborough. Guessing that Winston was primarily concerned with a tete-a-tete conversation, and not a noisy ball at Blenheim Palace, Clementine agreed.

For several days, the lovers walked around the picturesque surroundings of Oxfordshire, admiring nature and philosophizing about politics, but they did not dare to confess the most important thing to each other. The girl was already thinking of returning back to London, but Winston Churchill made an extreme attempt, going with her lover to the temple of Diana, where the rose garden was located. According to contemporaries, at that moment a thunderstorm broke out. Nature itself contributed to the explanation: streams of water, lightning, the scent of flowers... As a token of the future marriage, Winston presented the future bride of incredible beauty with a ring with a huge red ruby ​​and two diamonds.

The celebration, scheduled for mid-September, was kept secret for some time, but by some miracle, the whole of Blenheim became aware of the secret.

Closer to the night, Clemmy sent the first romantic message to the groom - a heart with the inscription "Winston" inside. When the couple was visiting the Duke of Marlborough, they, unable to contain their feelings, exchanged messages to each other, which the servants delivered every minute throughout the palace: " My dear, how are you? I send you my high feelings. I recently woke up, do not want to walk with me after breakfast in the rose garden. Forever yours,."

"My darling, I'm absolutely fine and would love to walk the rose garden with you. Yours forever, Clementine."

And the high society believed that the union would not last even six months. Many smirked: "Churchill was not born for married life. His only love is politics." But, fortunately, the forecast did not come true.

The story of eternal love

They married in the parish church of the House of Commons in Westminster. She was 24, he was 33. If in his youth Winston was fond of polo and fencing, now the words known to the whole world have become his motto: "Five or six cigars a day, three or four servings of whiskey and no sports!" Now he was building a career, writing books, putting things in order in the country, declaring himself with loud speeches. But bad habits also appeared: he spent his nights in the casino, losing and winning fortunes. Mornings started with cognac, the day ended with whiskey. There were legends about his weakness for Cuban cigars: Sir Churchill could fall asleep without a cigar, burning through his clothes and showering ashes all around. And he was known as a gourmet and never limited himself in his passion.

Clementine, oddly enough, never made any attempt to change her husband's bad temper. She was the perfect wife wise woman. She had a special approach to happiness. Later, speaking to Oxford students, the lady said, "You don't have to force your husbands to agree with you. You will gain more by forgoing your arguments, and after a while you will notice how your husband will understand that you are right."

Clem accepted her husband for who he was. And only next to such a woman did the obstinate and uncompromising politician turn into an obedient husband. His wife became Winston's support, first adviser and close friend. It was insanely difficult with him, but there was no need to be bored. Later, the great politician will write: "Clemmie, you gave me heavenly enjoyment of life."

In his free time, Churchill learned the trade of a bricklayer and raised piglets. He liked to study the press, but categorically did not recognize television, calling it a "lantern for fools." The wife of the greatest Briton coped with the upbringing of four children and was fond of the public. During the war, Mrs. Churchill founded and headed the "Red Cross Fund for Aid to Russia", and Stalin himself, as a token of special gratitude, presented her with a diamond ring. On May 9, 1945, Clementine spent in Moscow.

A distinguished orator of the century and an outstanding statesman died at ninety. His wife survived him by twelve years. These people were completely different, like “water and stone, ice and fire”, but they lived and breathed in unison, thanking life for every moment they lived together.

No wonder Sir Churchill called his marriage to Clementine the best gift of fate: “My beloved, in my whole life with you, I often thought that I madly adore you, so much that, perhaps, it is impossible to love more strongly”.

And another wonderful British couple -.

According to Mary Soames herself, from her father she inherited a deep sense of social duty and love for cigars. Lady Soams became a kind of "last of the Magicans" who had to answer questions about her father until her death.

According to her, a typical example of such questions was "Did Winston Churchill like spinach?". To him, Mary always answered the same way: "Well, once my father threw a bowl of spinach at my mother."

Although Lady Soames claimed to have inherited a sense of social duty from her father, she received the greatest public appreciation for writing a biography of her mother, Clementine Churchill, with whom she had a less than simple relationship as a child.

Churchill's children were expected to have a "noble, valiant outlook on life", and they, in turn, never expected any of their parents to come to school for prizes and diplomas or sports competitions. As Mary Soames said, “History constantly interferes with our family life».

Mary Soames always spoke of her childhood as exceptionally happy. Most of a positive atmosphere was created in Chartwell, bought in the year of her birth.

Together with numerous politicians and statesmen, such special characters as Charlie Chaplin were invited to the table in the Churchill house, for the sake of whose arrival the then 9-year-old Mary was allowed to stay up late.

Dinner parties and dinners were fondly remembered by Lady Soames, in particular because of the conversations at the table and the monologues of her father. Lunch or dinner often turned into a three-hour discussion with Shakespeare's poetry, songs and language.

“Being his child was an enrichment for me beyond compare,” said Lady Soames.

As for Clementine's mother, Mary spoke of her as "wife first, mother second." However, in her children, Clementine always evoked a feeling of admiration and respect. Churchill's wife treated children with a mixture of tenderness and severity.

Lady Soames wrote a biography of her mother over a long period. Started in the mid-1960s, it was not published until 1979, two years after Clementine's death. The work of Mary Soams was appreciated. The author was awarded two literary prizes, and the book itself became a bestseller.

This success was followed by a series of memoirs: The Churchill Family Album (1982), a biography of the 5th Duke of Marlborough, The Dissolute Duke (1987), Winston Churchill, His Life as an Artist (1990), and a self-explanatory personal correspondence Winston with Clementine Churchill (1998).

Mary Soames was born in London. She attended Limpsfield School near Chartwell. She left school at 17 and worked for the Red Cross during the first two years of the war. In 1941, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women's branch of the British Army, and rose to the rank of junior commander (similar to the rank of captain).

As an adjutant, Mary accompanied her father on many foreign trips, including to Potsdam for a conference of the heads of the three great powers.

She met her future husband, Christopher Soames, while staying at the British Embassy in Paris. "I think he fell in love with me right away and I quickly did the same," Mary recalled. During next month the couple got engaged.

When asked by the press whether she would pursue a career or take care of her family, Mary replied "Family, of course", adding that this work requires full dedication.

Mary's husband later became British Ambassador and British President of the European Community in Brussels. Lady Soames herself visited schools, hospitals, boarding schools and refugee camps. She has received great recognition around the world.

She was made a Lady Companion of the Order of the Garter in 2005.

Lord and Lady Soams have three sons and two daughters.

Churchill Winston

(born in 1874 - died in 1965)

English prime minister who found happiness with one woman.

It is possible to relate differently to the successes and failures of an outstanding personality. But, as you know, only time puts everything in its place. Sir Winston Churchill earned a reputation during his lifetime as one of the most famous people XX century., However, over the years, his fame as a great statesman multiplied a hundredfold. He was not only a smart and subtle politician - you never know England had worthy prime ministers! This man was far ahead of his time than any of his predecessors. Not everyone, for example, knows that Churchill was a tank designer, one of the first to realize the importance of aviation, back in the 1930s. showed interest in missiles. On his orders, the pilots began to scatter aluminum foil to confuse the German radar. He proposed the idea of ​​creating a pipeline under Atlantic Ocean, invented a navigational instrument for pilots. He was also the highest paid journalist of his time, an outstanding artist, a Nobel Prize winner in literature, a man who won two world wars.

Churchill's personal life was just as unique. He lived with his wife Clementine for 57 years and even at ninety he still called her "pussy". He loved her always - both in times of ups and in days of falls. And Clementine appreciated this love like no other woman, always remaining faithful and devoted to her "pug", as she affectionately called her husband.

Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill was born into an aristocratic English family, Lord Randolph Churchill, the second son of the Duke of Marlborough and a black-eyed beauty, daughter of American millionaire Jenny Jerome. Young Winston studied in one of the most expensive and fashionable closed educational institutions english kingdom at St. George's School. Studied, though, it doesn't matter. He constantly received bad grades and, as a result, another portion of the rods, despite his noble origin. Mastering the sciences continued at the Brighton school, and upon reaching the age of majority, Winston entered the Sandhurst military school only on the third attempt, preferring salons, clubs or the university. By the way, not many young men even from aristocratic families managed to get into this school.

In February 1895, Second Lieutenant Winston Churchill was assigned to the 4th Hussars, one of the most brilliant in the British Army. The young officer knew how to please the girls, although he himself did not experience serious love addictions. With the exception of one case, when he was overtaken, as they say, by love at first sight. In November 1896, 22-year-old Winston fell in love with Pamela Plowden, the daughter of a high-ranking official. This young lady was seven months older than her suitor. Independent, slender, attractive, she turned the heads of all young military men. Churchill persuaded her to ride around the city and received an invitation to dinner. Brief romance ended with an engagement.

However, a military career was much more important for an ambitious officer than wooing a bride. And here Winston showed incredible perseverance and desire to take a worthy place in English society. For starters, he took part in the Boer War as a war correspondent. There he was captured, but fled, showing miracles of courage and ingenuity during his escape. Churchill returned to his homeland a real hero. In addition, Winston was waiting for literary success. In 1898, his first book, The Malakan Field Army, was published, and a year later, a second documentary narrative called The River War appeared. Both books were appreciated by the reading public, and the first editions were sold out instantly.

Successfully formed and political career, which began with the election of 25-year-old Churchill as a member of parliament. But in his personal life, for Winston, who dreamed of marrying, everything was not going well so far. In 1902, Pamela Plowden, to whom he was officially engaged, married Earl Victor Lytton. Having informed Churchill of her intention, Pamela invited him to remain good friends. The ex-fiance endured his defeat stoically.

The next step is a marriage proposal to the charming and talented English actress Miss Ethel Barrymore. And although Ethel had tender feelings for the contender for her hand, she did not dare to enter the dangerous political stage with Winston.

And finally, another denial. This time, Churchill was rejected by Muriel Wilson, the heiress of a wealthy shipowner. There were rumors about another possible alliance of Winston - with the daughter of the Prime Minister of the Transvaal, Louis Botha, 19-year-old Helen. But the matter did not go beyond rumors.

Actually, there is nothing mysterious in all the love failures of Churchill. For one reason only - he was never a tireless conqueror of women's hearts. As if anticipating his fate as a great politician, he wanted one thing - stability and constancy. Churchill found them with a woman whom Providence itself had probably prepared for him and whose charm he could not resist from the moment they first met. It was 23-year-old Clementine Hozier, whose mother, Lady Blanche, came from the family of the Earls of Airlie. Before that, the young people had already met, and at first Churchill did not make a special impression on Clementine because, for some reason, he was embarrassed when talking with women and, apparently, to hide his embarrassment, he behaved quite boastfully. But Clementine's mother saw in Winston, a promising politician and talented writer, a profitable match for her daughter. But the main thing is that the 33-year-old Churchill himself had long believed that at his age it was time to settle down, have a family, especially since by that time he had already held the post of Minister of Trade.

During the following meetings, Winston showed much greater wit and resourcefulness in conversations with the graceful blonde, and finally made the impression he had hoped for. In August 1908, Churchill proposed to Clementine Hozier, and a month later they were married. The ceremony took place at the parish church of the Westminster House of Commons in St Margaret. And the wedding reception was arranged in beautiful building in Portland Place, provided to the bride by her aunt Lady St. Helier. Among the gifts was a cane from King Edward VII, engraved in gold: "To my youngest minister." The Times newspaper appreciated the bride's wedding attire, but the men's fashion magazine did not treat the groom so favorably, noting that an unsuccessfully tailored suit made him look like a "dressed-up coachman."

However, Winston paid little attention to the small injections of the press. He enjoyed his honeymoon in Venice. It was then that the happy newlywed wrote the phrase that later became famous: “I find love making a serious and delightfully enjoyable thing.” Moreover, he reported this not to anyone, but to his own mother-in-law.

Clementine returned to England already pregnant. And, like all young wives, she began to arrange family life. Winston was delighted with the energy of his young wife, but at the same time he was somewhat embarrassed by the meticulous prudence of Clementine, who began to keep a strict record of all expenses. family budget. Being a bachelor, Churchill did not deny himself anything. Another thing now, when it was necessary to support a family. And since Churchill, unlike most other British politicians, did not have a large personal fortune, he had to be content with ministerial salaries and literary fees. True, with all the savings, food expenses were not limited. Winston was a gourmet and would never refuse delicacies. The champagne and brandy that were obligatory served during the meal had to be of the best brands, and therefore they were very expensive. Clementine complained to her friends that she was losing her appetite, estimating the cost of their feasts.

The newlyweds had to adapt to each other not only in financial matters. By temperament, Churchill was an "owl", used to going to bed late and getting up late. Clementine, on the other hand, was a "lark". And all her attempts to establish a normal regime for her husband failed. Therefore, the couple had breakfast separately, and a year later they decided to have separate bedrooms. And since Churchill often stayed late at work, his wife made it a habit to leave notes for him, from which he found out whether his spouse was waiting for him in the bedroom today or he would have to sleep alone.

Her husband's frequent absences on official business sometimes aroused Clementine's suspicions of infidelity. Winston, who was much more interested in politics than in women, was naturally offended. He could not understand what caused his wife's doubts. And once again he convinced Clementine to believe him, repeating that he would never love any other woman.

Indeed, Clementine always remained for Churchill the one and only. Thoughts about love affair with other women just never crossed his mind. Although sometimes he sometimes flirted with pretty girls. Yes, there were fans too. Like Maxine Elliont, the wealthy American actress whose castle in Cannes was open to all celebrities. Often the Churchills also visited there. Maxine Elliont took Winston so seriously that she even earned herself the scathing remarks of respectable society. Although he saw in her nothing more than just a friend. What really fascinated Churchill was the casino. With the same cigar in his mouth and a glass of cognac in his hand, he played with pleasure until late at night. And he was proud of his gambling winnings no less than his political successes.

By the way, Churchill's absolute fidelity to his wife throughout his life has never been questioned by any of his biographers and memoirists. In general, he treated women a little condescendingly. And he never missed an opportunity to respond with causticity to causticity. So, one day he found himself at the same table next to an elderly lady who loudly told him: “You are so unpleasant that if I were your wife, I would pour poison into your glass of wine.” For what

Churchill answered just as loudly: "Madame, you are so terrible that if I were your husband, I would certainly drink this poison."

As for Clementine, she adored her pug. And of course, she did not think about treason, even causing bewilderment among some of her friends with her fidelity. One of them, in a private conversation, explicitly stated to Clementine that if she wanted to promote her husband's career, she should get herself a rich and influential lover. When Clementine, indignant, answered with a sharp refusal, her interlocutor exclaimed: “My dear! You are too selfish."

In July 1909, Clementine gave birth to her first daughter, who was named Diana. Then the son Randolph was born and three more daughters - Sarah, Marigold and Mary.

Despite the abundance of family responsibilities, Lady Churchill found time for social activities. In particular, during the First World War, she ran canteens at several London military factories and was even awarded a government award for this.

Churchill's political career also developed rapidly at that time, which, in addition to increasing worries, brought good dividends. Having become the first Lord of the Admiralty, Winston received at his disposal a luxurious yacht, inferior in size and decoration only to the royal one. Thrifty Clementine was also pleased that the stock of fine wines and provisions was constantly replenished on the yacht at the expense of the treasury, and she, as a hospitable hostess, could properly receive friends and acquaintances without spending her own money.

By the way, Churchill showed himself to be a brilliant lawyer. In 1911 he masterfully conducted trial, which put an end to rumors that King George V, before his marriage to Princess May of Teck, secretly married in Malta with the daughter of an admiral, that is, he was a bigamist. These accusations were published in the Parisian newspaper Liberator. Their author, a certain Edward F. Milius, sent copies of the article to all MPs, after which Churchill, with the consent of George V, began a process against Milius, during which he proved that neither the king nor his intended bride were in Malta at the specified time. The journalist was found guilty and sentenced to a year in prison, and Churchill earned the king's personal thanks.

However, there were also enough problems. Some suffragettes have ruffled Churchill's nerves! He was a favorite target for them, as he opposed a law that widened the circle of voters, including giving women the right to vote. Militant ladies pursued him throughout the country. And although Churchill took their attacks with humor, they sometimes went too far. So, once at the station in Briston, a certain Teresa Garnett rushed at him with a whip. One of the blows landed on Winston's face. Then threats to Churchill's relatives rained down. It even went so far that the police uncovered a plot to kidnap Randolph's son. I had to hire security for nannies and children.

Clementine was also very worried about Churchill's dangerous passion for aviation. He could not resist the temptation and learned to fly an airplane, taking to the air sometimes ten times a day. It cannot be said that he had a natural talent as a pilot. Therefore, young pilots who did not want to risk their careers had to fly with an inexperienced aviator who had a slow reaction time. To their understandable restraint were added the pleas of Clementine and the persuasion of friends who appealed to the prudence of a desperate pilot. But the stubborn Churchill gave up only when he survived several serious accidents and miraculously survived. Only after that did he woefully admit that the air element was not for him.

She made her own adjustments to a happy family life and the First World War. In 1915 Churchill was blamed for the failure military operation in the Dardanelles. After retiring, he went to active army. The King's personal adviser, First Lord of the Admiralty, a member of His Majesty's Government became a simple major and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the Guards Grenade Launchers. For almost two years (namely, Churchill was at the front for so long), the loving wife literally went crazy with anxiety for her husband.

In general, this couple adequately endured both the joys and sorrows that fell to their lot. The year 1921 became especially difficult for them. The couple had to endure three terrible losses. In April, Clementine's brother, Bill Hozier, who walked her down the aisle during the wedding, died. For an unknown reason, he committed suicide. On June 29, Winston's mother, Jenny, died under tragic circumstances, whom he literally idolized, calling "the fairy, emitting light like a star." While walking down the stairs in very high heels, she slipped and broke her ankle. Gangrene set in and the leg had to be amputated above the knee. When things were already on the mend, the wound suddenly opened, and Jenny died from loss of blood. And finally, in August, the three-year-old youngest daughter, Marigold, everyone's favorite, died.

The grief of loss brightened up the birth in September 1922 of daughter Mary. Of course, she could not replace dear Marigold, but her appearance brought great joy to the family. Life gradually returned to normal. In 1924 Churchill again returned to Parliament and headed the Ministry of Finance. And that was the beginning of his ascent. He left and returned more than once, gradually becoming that Churchill, without whom not a single history textbook can ever do - a tough, cunning, intelligent politician, whose genius England owes for the fact that she paid so little for participation in World War II, in comparison with other countries, the price (Churchill became prime minister in 1940).

Over the next 30 years, the figure of Churchill was more significant for England than even the figures of monarchs and members of the royal family. And since top models and pop stars did not yet exist at that time, it is not surprising that the Churchill couple were the most famous couple in England. At the same time, Clementine could not be called a trendsetter. She dressed, however, always tastefully and elegantly. But she tried to spend as little money on toilets as possible, so she sewed clothes for herself in simple ateliers, only occasionally allowing ordering toilets from famous couturiers. Nevertheless, she nevertheless made her contribution to fashion: it was in imitation of her that the English women began to wear turbans made of colored scarves. Clementine never abused the services of beauty salons, doing only permanent waving there. But her recipe for strengthening hair did not seem worthy to anyone: she periodically washed her hair with pure gasoline, assuring that it was extremely useful.

Over the years, the marital bond became stronger and stronger. They could no longer imagine life without each other, despite the fact that they often rested separately. Churchill liked the south of France, Italy, Monte Carlo. He was fond of hunting, playing polo, he devoted all his free time to painting. Krementina preferred English resorts. She considered visiting museums, exhibitions, theaters to be a real vacation, which Churchill could not stand. She was a good athlete, fond of tennis, which she played until her advanced years.

The only cloud in their clear family sky appeared in 1935, when the sensitive Clementine, traveling on the yacht Rosaura along the islands of Indonesia, was carried away by the charming art dealer Terence Philip. But this connection quickly ceased, at least the omniscient press, no matter how hard they tried, could not find out the juicy details.

The fact that life exists outside of politics, Churchill realized when he acquired the ancient estate of Chartwell. Built during the time of Henry VII, the house offered a magnificent view worthy of an artist's brush. However, there was a lot of work to be done: the beams were eaten away by worms, everything around was overgrown. With his usual excitement, Winston set to work on the arrangement of Chartwell. He cut down and burned the thickets, cleaned the pond, laid the bricks himself. He was full of grandiose plans, and if there was any daredevil who was ready to stay with them for the weekend, Winston immediately included him in the "special team" for the "liquidation" of the bush. Clementine, who perfectly understood what a huge job it was to turn Chartwell into a cozy nest, courageously performed the most thankless work. Although, of course, I would prefer to spend Sundays playing tennis. Yes, and the children also had a hand in the revival of the house.

Years later, the completely restored Chartwell opened its doors to the public. And so far, on open days, the flow of visitors does not dry out. They come to see the famous builder at work, the black swans and other birds swimming in Churchill's own pond, and his favorite goldfish swimming in the pool.

In April 1955, after the whole of England solemnly celebrated Churchill's 80th birthday, the great politician resigned from the post of prime minister. On this occasion, on April 5, a magnificent reception was arranged at the residence of the head of government. Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived for dinner. The queen appeared in a magnificent dress, sparkling with beautiful diamonds. Churchill put on all his awards. At the end of the reception, gallant as always, Churchill went out to hold the door of the royal car. The next morning he is last time assembled the cabinet, drank tea with members of his team, and left for Chartwell. His tenure in power ended in the best English tradition.

Selfless and patient Clementine was happy - her husband now belonged only to her. But she rejoiced prematurely. Five years later, her husband announced that he did not intend to give up politics and expected to be re-elected to the House of Commons. And although Sir Winston spent more time in the south of France, he was nevertheless put forward as a candidate. Clementine lamented - it was already the fifteenth election, she had had enough! But Churchill did not part with politics until his death. He last attended a meeting of the House of Commons on July 28, 1964, already seriously ill. Clementine did not let her husband go to the farewell ceremony with the parliamentarians, because she understood that she would cause him too strong feelings.

AT last years During his life, Churchill was ill a lot, and sometimes Clementine did not leave his bed for days. The last time the British saw this wonderful couple was on November 30, 1964. The smiling spouses looked out of the window of the house at the crowd that had gathered to greet their idol.

Winston Churchill died on January 24, 1965. After his death, Clementine quietly lived out her life in London. Queen Elizabeth II granted her a life peerage, and Baroness Spencer-Churchill of Chartwell occasionally visited the House of Lords. True, she did not take part in the voting, because due to her deafness she could not follow the debate.

Clementine lived to see the day when all of England in November 1974 celebrated the 100th anniversary of Churchill's birth. On that day, she visited her husband’s grave and quietly said: “I hope I don’t have long to wait to meet you ...”

Clementine survived her husband by twelve years, dying at the age of 92.

This was such an amazing couple. In an even more romantic form, she appeared before the prim British, when time and humanity pushed Winston Churchill into the ranks the greatest politicians XX century. A worthy place in history was found for his, if not the only, but such a beautiful and unchanging love.