The first James Bond novel was published way back in 1953, and, as such, the series features numerous examples of things that would be considered somewhat problematic by modern readers. One such instance of this is the questionable reason Ian Fleming gave for Bond being kicked out of school, which was, thankfully, revised in a later 007 work. Ian Fleming’s James Bond books have not only been immensely popular in their own right, but they also served as the basis for a hugely successful movie franchise. However, despite their popularity, some aspects of the Bond novels haven’t aged very well.

Like many works that were released several decades ago, the James Bond books are rife with misogynistic, racially insensitive, and, overall, politically incorrect language. Similarly, some of the earliest 007 movies feature scenes that would never be allowed today, though later films have made changes to the James Bond books that made their stories more palatable for contemporary audiences. One of Fleming’s worst missteps was his handling of Bond’s expulsion from school – something that has since been corrected by another 007 author.

James Bond Was Kicked Out Of Eton Due To An Incident With A Maid

The Explanation Doesn’t Paint 007 In The Best Light

In Fleming’s penultimate 007 novel, 1964’s You Only Live Twice, the author reveals the reason James Bond was expelled from Eton College as a 12-year-old boy. One of the final chapters of the book takes the form of Bond’s obituary penned by his superior, M. In it, M writes about how Bond was kicked out of Eton after “only two halves” as a result of “some alleged trouble with one of the boys’ maids“. He was later transferred to Fettes College in Scotland, the school where his father previously attended.

The novel doesn’t disclose any specific details regarding the nature of Bond’s “trouble” with the maid. However, given that M describes how it “pains” him to record this particular event in Bond’s youth, and considering Bond’s well-documented track record, it would be fair to assume that the “trouble” alludes to some sort of inappropriate behavior. It almost seems staggering in 2024 that an author would not only give their supposed hero such a dark and ugly backstory, but that they’d casually throw in such a detail without any further expansion – yet this is exactly what Fleming does with Bond.

Another Bond Novel Reveals What Really Happened With The Maid

It’s A Far More Satisfying Explanation

Fleming’s dismissive attitude towards what is likely a very serious matter is indicative of the sort of sexism and misogyny that is prevalent throughout the Bond book series. Fortunately, subsequent 007 writers have attempted to modernize the character of Bond and suffuse their books with more contemporary attitudes. Arguably, the author who has achieved this the most is Charlie Higson, whose Young Bond novels have transformed Bond into a hero figure for young adults and children without compromising the character’s core traits. As such, Higson fixed Fleming’s error by explaining what really happened between Bond and the maid.

In Higson’s final Young Bond novel, 2008’s By Royal Command, it is revealed that Bond’s maid was an Irish woman named Roan Power. Bond develops feelings for Roan, and the pair find themselves caught up in an adventure when they both go on the run from the leader of a Communist cell. Roan subsequently dies in the final pages of the book, but not before expressing her love for Bond.

This version of events removes the somewhat grubby connotation implied by You Only Live Twice. The reason for Bond’s expulsion as described in By Royal Command is explicitly more heroic and motivated by love. Essentially, Higson’s retooling of Fleming’s problematic reveal instead plays on Bond’s best attributes – his bravery and sense of honor – rather than the character’s more troublesome facets.

By Royal Command Proves A Modern “Young James Bond” Story Could Work

There’s Certainly An Appetite For This Kind Of 007 Story

Higson’s work has been continued by writer Steve Cole, meaning there are currently nine Young Bond novels available. As it stands, they all take place during the 1930s. A previous attempt at a young James Bond found its way onto TV screens in the 1990s in the form of an animated series called James Bond Jr., which focused on James Bond’s teenage nephew. The idea of a modern young James Bond story is certainly something that has been floated around, but as yet, it hasn’t materialized. By Royal Command, however, proves that such a project could work.

After all, despite being a celebrated film and literary character, James Bond isn’t exactly the best role model for young people. Though more recent big-screen installments have attempted to drag the character into the 21st century, 007 is still associated with heavy drinking, violence, and womanizing. A young version of James Bond based in a modern-day setting and enthused with more progressive values would not only provide a solid role model for young audiences but would also put a fresh take on a 71-year-old character.