The British monarchy presents a paradox. It is one of the most stable institutions in history. Yet it has rarely been free from crisis. Royal Revolutions exp...
"Why is he so weak?" Part 8 of our series on the Abdication crisis
The reign of King Edward VIII is over. Now, the newly created Duke of Windsor begins his exile. And painfully for him, he must wait several long months before he can make Wallis his Duchess. This episode briefly explores the aftermath of the Abdication crisis. During this episode, RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor explore: The immediate 'logistics' around the Duke's relocationA glimpse of happiness at the end of the worst year of Queen Mary's lifeThe controversy around the Windsor's wedding, the date and the lack of Royal attendanceThe (questionably legal) decision to deny Wallis the HRH styleThe Duke and Duchess's Nazi links and role in the warThe "snub" to the Windsor's at Princess Elizabeth's weddingThe ultimate death of the Duke and later the Duchess
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1:12:49
"Impossible to carry" - part 7 of our series on the Abdication crisis
After six weeks of build up, it is finally time to explore the actual Abdication of Edward VIII - the only truly voluntary surrendering of the throne in history.It this episode, RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator, James Taylor explore:The "last supper" where the Prime Minister tries to convince the King to stay but is denied a bed for the nightThe Duke of York and his last-minute preparations for the crownThe Cabinet's rush to prepare the legislation for AbdicationBaldwin's surprisingly spectacular Commons performance and the beginnings of the romantic myth of the crisisQueen Mary's subtle sign of support for the governmentThe arrangements for Edward's future including title and incomeEdward's master piece of a broadcast to the nationAlthough Edward has now left the throne, this is not the end of the series. Next week we shall explore the aftermath.
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1:12:22
"A pretty kettle of fish" - part 6 of our Abdication crisis series
In this episode we pause the continuity of the crisis to take a look at how the events of 1936 affected members of the Royal family.Despite it having huge repercussions on their lives, Britain's premier pedigree were not major players in the crisis (apart from the King, of course). However, this is a ROYAL history podcast so we wanted to take a moment to look at events from the family's vantage point.In this episode, RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor discuss:Queen Mary, her background and reaction to the crisisThe Duke and Duchess of York's fears as they prepare to assume powerThe beginnings of the Duchess of York's (later Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother) feud with Wallis SimpsonThe closeness between Edward VIII and Princess Mary, the Princess RoyalThe wayward Duke of Kent and how some thought he should be KingThe cool relationship between Henry, Duke of Gloucester and his eldest brotherThis episode also features comments by Elizabeth Basford, author of "Princess Mary: The First Modern Princess."
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1:19:25
"The King's Party" - part 5 of our series on the Abdication crisis
When the story of the King's relationship with the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson broke in the British press, Edward VIII believed his abdication was inevitable. But for a brief "moment" on the 4th and 5th of December, it looked as if a flicker of public support might light a path for his survival. In the latest episode of "Royal Revolutions", RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor discuss: Wallis's tumultuous escape from Britain to FranceThe motivations of the King's supportersThe media reaction and hints of public support for the KingWhy Harry Enfield ruined a teenage Gareth's life back in the 90sWallis's latest attempts to break it off with the KingThe King's planned broadcast appeal that never airedBaldwin's fears of the constitutional settlement being overturnedWinston Churchill's outspoken role in the crisisConcerns about the legality of Wallis's divorce We are again joined by historian Adrian Phillips who helps us make sense of what the so-called "King's Party" was.
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1:22:28
"No, Prime Minister..." - part 4 of our Abdication crisis series
As Wallis Simpson awaits her divorce hearing, the Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, pleads with Edward VIII to change course. From that moment, the relationship between the King and Mrs Simpson becomes an official issue of government business and the event can truly be called a constitutional crisis.In the latest episode of our series on the abdication crisis, James Taylor and Gareth Streeter discuss:The King’s attitude toward the Prime Minister and the governmentWallis’s divorce and the falloutThe King’s dinner with Queen Mary, when he broke the news that he intended to marry Mrs SimpsonThe idea of a morganatic marriage and the attempts to find a compromiseA controversial speech by an obscure BishopThe breaking of the story in the pressWe were also joined by historian Adrian Phillips to learn more about Stanley Baldwin and his attitude toward the crisis.
About Royal Revolutions, a Royal History Geeks podcast
The British monarchy presents a paradox. It is one of the most stable institutions in history. Yet it has rarely been free from crisis. Royal Revolutions explores crucial moments of trial, tension and change in British Royal history. The first season is devoted to Britain's most recent Royal Revolution - the Abdication crisis of 1936.
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