Hyde Park on Hudson 2012

As the gentle warmth of spring 1939 enveloped Hyde Park, New York, Sara Delano, the mother of Franklin D. Roosevelt, reached out to her estranged cousin, Margaret “Daisy” Suckley, inviting her to their estate to visit the ailing President. This reunion sparked a unique bond between the two women, built on years of separation and shared moments. Daisy, known for her quiet demeanor, became an unexpected confidante for the powerful Roosevelt, often finding herself alongside his secretary, Missy LeHand, and his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, as they navigated the complexities of his presidency.

In a poignant moment, the President confided in Daisy, whispering that Top Cottage would be their retreat once his time in office concluded, hinting at the intricate layers of their relationship.

The landscape changed in June 1939 when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth arrived in America. Roosevelt welcomed them to Hyde Park with much fanfare, hoping to strengthen ties with Britain as war loomed on the horizon. The royal visit was not without its challenges for King George, who faced his own insecurities, particularly his stutter and the pressure of trying a hot dog in front of a crowd. Roosevelt, a master host, comforted him, assuring him that true perception is more vital than public opinion.

That evening, while the royal couple adjusted to their new environment, Daisy inadvertently uncovered LeHand’s secret affair with the President. This shocking revelation forced her to grapple with the reality of being one of many women vying for the President’s affections, including Dorothy Schiff and Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd.

The following day at the picnic, King George bravely took a bite of the hot dog, his unease temporarily obscured by the flash of cameras capturing the moment. Daisy, in a reflective voiceover, articulated the profound implications of this visit, recognizing it as the start of a “Special Relationship” between America and Britain.

As the years advanced, Daisy witnessed Roosevelt’s health deteriorate, yet his leadership remained steadfast throughout the war. Although she had come to terms with her status as one of his mistresses, her poignant observation still echoed with truth: “everyone… still looked to him, still seeing whatever it was they wanted to see.”