When you see Helena on screen, you’re watching a direct line to history. That playful smirk? That’s Violet. That bony, sharp wit? Grandma’s gift. That ability to be utterly unhinged yet totally charming? Pure Bonham Carter DNA.
Next time you watch The Crown and see Helena play Princess Margaret, remember: she’s not acting. She’s honoring her ancestors. Margaret was also a rebellious royal with a taste for chaos. Violet would have adored her.
And here’s a final funny fact: Helena’s great-grandfather, the Prime Minister, was so short that he had to stand on a box to make speeches. Violet inherited that Napoleon complex—and used it to conquer the world.
So go ahead, tell your friends: “Did you know Helena Bonham Carter’s grandma was a total rock star?” Then watch their faces. They’ll never see Bellatrix the same way again.
Curious now? Look up Violet’s memoir. It’s called Winston Churchill as I Knew Him. Spoiler: she knew him well. Very, very well. The letters between them are pure gossip gold.
And if you ever feel stuck or boring, just ask yourself: What would Violet do? Probably wear a tiara, argue with a king, and win. Then take a nap. That’s the Bonham Carter way.
