The Man Who Would Be King...Again? The 1946 Duke of Windsor Plot

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  • Опубліковано 23 гру 2024
  • In 1946, a secret plot emerged to make the Duke of Windsor, the former King Edward VIII, king again, but not of Britain, but of part of a foreign country. Find out the full story of this completely forgotten and overlooked story.
    Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.o...
    Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
    Help support my channel:
    www.paypal.me/...
    / markfeltonproductions
    Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
    Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress;Geni; A.Savin; Wolkenkratzer; Raycer; Matthias Suessen.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2 тис.

  • @scottgregory4255
    @scottgregory4255 Рік тому +2797

    Mark just casually taking a stroll down to the national archives to uncover obscenely obscure historical tidbits by accident, you absolute legend, best historian on the planet

    • @ziepex7009
      @ziepex7009 Рік тому +30

      agreed

    • @vic5015
      @vic5015 Рік тому +91

      Dr. Felton: "I've got some time to kill. What shall I do? Oh, I've got it! I'll casually peruse the British national archives!" Legend!

    • @Davivd2
      @Davivd2 Рік тому +47

      LMAO that was my thoughts too. Just having a casual looksie in the national archives. As one does.

    • @josephsandoval9825
      @josephsandoval9825 Рік тому +16

      INDEED!!

    • @josephsandoval9825
      @josephsandoval9825 Рік тому +8

      INDEED!!

  • @kealanmcateer124
    @kealanmcateer124 Рік тому +515

    Does anyone else notice how much information mark can cram into 15 minutes, never ceases to amaze me, and all easily delivered, again pure genius

    • @blondesmommy
      @blondesmommy Рік тому +3

      There are no wasted words and every sentence is informative.

    • @blueblack3591
      @blueblack3591 11 місяців тому +1

      True

  • @testtoon1452
    @testtoon1452 Рік тому +675

    Best line ever..... "His only real interest was sleeping with other man's wives"..... laughed so hard at this, the delivery Mark, spot on!!

    • @WTU208
      @WTU208 Рік тому +17

      I thought that was Charlie Boy.

    • @kayeninetwo3585
      @kayeninetwo3585 Рік тому +22

      Another phrase that I found amusing was "the Dukes of Hanover." It made me think of a Mercedes Benz coupe with a rebel flag on the roof.

    • @SafetySpooon
      @SafetySpooon Рік тому +12

      I have to dissent: he also liked drinking, smoking & steeplechasing.

    • @InTecknicolour
      @InTecknicolour Рік тому +7

      freda dudley ward and thelma furness

    • @baraxor
      @baraxor Рік тому +22

      "Edward the Eighth used to be an Admiral of the Fleet. Now he's third mate on an American tramp."

  • @drvee1983
    @drvee1983 Рік тому +121

    If you want pure historical data, with a hint of obscure theory? Mark has it. He doesn't surmise. He shows you the paperwork with quotes, film footage, and those that were either there, or factual history that came before the topics. He is an imperical historical journalist with no spin.
    If only the world and modern media had more like him.
    Thank you Mark.

  • @Willigula
    @Willigula Рік тому +143

    While other historians re-package and rehash from other history books and published sources, Dr. Felton does the actual research as a true author would. The results are fascinating stories that we’ve never heard just like this one. Thank you, Dr. Felton.

  • @RevMikeBlack
    @RevMikeBlack Рік тому +911

    While an elementary schooler, I saw the Duke & Duchess of Windsor on an American television talk show. They looked like forgotten old actors. Not knowing them, I asked my dad who the man was. My father answered, "That man is the biggest fool of all time."

    • @Mitch93
      @Mitch93 Рік тому +134

      Your dad was spot on!

    • @jvstcu76
      @jvstcu76 Рік тому +218

      After Edward abdicated, a popular joke at the time was, "He gave up being King to become third mate on a tramp steamer"!

    • @frankgesuele6298
      @frankgesuele6298 Рік тому +177

      Harry should have learned from him.

    • @drvee1983
      @drvee1983 Рік тому +54

      Sounds like your Dad was a wise man.

    • @Classicgamer73
      @Classicgamer73 Рік тому +83

      He just wanted no responsibility, but still a lavish life style, he didn't deserve to be king. And should have lived in his beloved Germany, good riddance I say

  • @nandi123
    @nandi123 Рік тому +650

    Edward and Wallis were vacuous malignant narcissists. It is a good thing he inadvertently removed himself from all positions of influence before he called lasting harm. Mark, this is a significant contribution to the historical record. Thank you.

    • @guialogistica-canaloficial779
      @guialogistica-canaloficial779 Рік тому +21

      Agreed

    • @gordonbergslien30
      @gordonbergslien30 Рік тому +61

      Vacuous? Malignant? Narcissists? This sounds very familiar!

    • @mrcheddar
      @mrcheddar Рік тому +29

      @@gordonbergslien30 OMG, my thoughts exactly!

    • @markjeffery3237
      @markjeffery3237 Рік тому +26

      Family traits. The biggest shysters going - and the population seem to by and large still love it!

    • @MayYourGodGoWithYou
      @MayYourGodGoWithYou Рік тому +38

      @@markjeffery3237 Every family has one, and Harry is totally a Spencer rather than a Windsor. Just like his mum and uncle unfortunately. Meghan is also unfortunately rather like Wallis.

  • @benbaker2965
    @benbaker2965 Рік тому +622

    I grew up with the romantic view of the Duke of Windsor walking away from his crown because of the woman he loved. This was perpetrated by my mother. But there are so many levels to the Duke's story beyond abdicating to be with the woman he loved. And Mark has added some new layers to this tale for me today.

    • @di3486
      @di3486 Рік тому +111

      What is ironic is that there nothing romantic about the story. Edward was an immature codependent and Wallis was miserable her entire life. She wanted to go back to her last husband but he had moved on. That, plus the Nazi ties, destroys the whole “love story”

    • @pixelpatter01
      @pixelpatter01 Рік тому +37

      Let me summarize:; their was a palace coup and the displaced leader plotted a come back. The story is as old as history.

    • @garyfrancis6193
      @garyfrancis6193 Рік тому +11

      @@pixelpatter01 There

    • @pixelpatter01
      @pixelpatter01 Рік тому

      right you are
      @@garyfrancis6193

    • @thesteelrodent1796
      @thesteelrodent1796 Рік тому +19

      in Denmark the story typically is that Edward was forced to abdicate in order to be allowed to marry her. It was discussed quite heavily when our princes married commoners (20-25 years ago), but in modern Denmark, no one cares about such things and the government would probably have been forced to step down (by the people) if they tried to pull such a stunt

  • @CigarAttache
    @CigarAttache Рік тому +56

    80 years since WW2 and Dr Felton continues to educate us on facts that have never been revealed before! 👍🏼👍🏼

    • @bonnie_gail
      @bonnie_gail 10 місяців тому +1

      it really makes me wonder what kind of world we are living in

    • @susanlockyer1192
      @susanlockyer1192 8 місяців тому +1

      I've come across most of these things - maybe I was just in the right place at the right time!

  • @PhilippensTube
    @PhilippensTube Рік тому +28

    You can always count on Mark for obscure and (almost) forgotten pieces of history. I'm amazed every single time. Highly appreciated and anticipated!

  • @sandyj342
    @sandyj342 Рік тому +299

    Mark this is one amazing piece of history and plot. Your meticulous research and high quality presentation is truly world class.

    • @richardkammerer2814
      @richardkammerer2814 Рік тому +9

      As Mark’s report progressed, I realized I knew less and less of this criminal affair and really am quite sickened but better educated as a result.

  • @Luigi_T
    @Luigi_T Рік тому +139

    Dr Felton treating us with constant content is one of the joys of the Internet. Many thanks from Romania! I wish there would be coverage of our involvement in the second world war for my personal enlightenment as this format is very enjoyable 🇷🇴

    • @emmettjones5165
      @emmettjones5165 Рік тому +8

      I second Luigi's motion!

    • @ChanchoBlanco
      @ChanchoBlanco Рік тому +1

      Y'all let the sixth get circled among other things leading to the defeat at Stalingrad

    • @killthereds2.043
      @killthereds2.043 Рік тому

      @@ChanchoBlancowe asked for weapons and we told the Germans we can’t hold the Soviets. They didn’t listen.

    • @matpk
      @matpk Рік тому +1

      @@killthereds2.043but mark is also pay by chi Na gov

    • @killthereds2.043
      @killthereds2.043 Рік тому +1

      @@matpk eh, Churcill gave half of Europe to Stalin

  • @Lemma01
    @Lemma01 Рік тому +75

    Believe me when I say I listen to every word you say with the ear of an historian: your narrative here is masterly- even by your own standards. Knowing how tempting it is to push a line, you deserve genuine credit for always allowing your facts to speak for themselves, and your reticence in forwarding claims is to be admired. Thank you.

    • @chrisvowell2890
      @chrisvowell2890 Рік тому +10

      Totally agree - he is the best. It's just a pity Dr. Felton doesn't get wider coverage on the broadcast media but it's clear that broadcast TV seems to have abandoned history documentaries. It's now better covered on UA-cam!

  • @jmcclure55
    @jmcclure55 Рік тому +8

    I thought I was an authority on WWII until I started watching this channel... You are a treasure, Dr. Felton. I hit like on every one of your videos as soon as they start.

  • @cherylventer7075
    @cherylventer7075 Рік тому +20

    Excellent narration. Absolutely spot on with the historical facts and beautifully edited and uploaded. You're a star Mr Felton . Thank you for the hours of entertainment you have given to me and I'm sure many others !!

  • @4sstg
    @4sstg Рік тому +313

    His niece Queen Elizabeth II apparently knew this , as did his sister-in-law, the queen mother Queen Elizabeth. Wallis did the British people and the free world a good turn, by marrying Edward.

    • @voldier0
      @voldier0 Рік тому +54

      America saving the day and WW2, once again, without even trying. USA! (Joking)

    • @jonathanlong6987
      @jonathanlong6987 Рік тому +15

      An excellent point I had not considered… until now.

    • @edgaraquino2324
      @edgaraquino2324 Рік тому +8

      ​@@tobywareing6435that has yet to be determined....

    • @archstanton6102
      @archstanton6102 Рік тому +26

      The Queen Mother banned Diana from buying any of Wallis Simpson's jewelry after she died. Now I understand why .

    • @leebarrr
      @leebarrr Рік тому +15

      I'm willing to bet they forced Edward to abdicate because of his ties with Hitler. Do you really believe the King of England couldn't marry who he wants? Charles has made his lover Queen. Henry divorced how many times and married who he wanted mutiple times.

  • @Anton_Chigurh_2007
    @Anton_Chigurh_2007 Рік тому +77

    I've generally believed that 80% of human history has been lost for one reason or another. But this presentation has caused me to wonder if it's more like 75% lost, 5% just overlooked and still recoverable with effort and skill? Thanks for your work, Dr. Felton.

    • @jamestarbet9608
      @jamestarbet9608 Рік тому +7

      It's probably in excess of 97%. Remember how many humans lived and died before the written word, and the ones we know of are but the largest of history.

    • @Rusty_Gold85
      @Rusty_Gold85 Рік тому +5

      Always pays to read through Comments and you pick up bits and pieces ...well once you toss aside some of the BS and vile people seem to vent

    • @robertortiz-wilson1588
      @robertortiz-wilson1588 Рік тому +1

      ​@Rusty_Gold85 true!

    • @SirAntoniousBlock
      @SirAntoniousBlock Рік тому

      @@jamestarbet9608 Even Heroditus the father of history, wrote more propaganda than real history.

    • @Dulcimertunes
      @Dulcimertunes Рік тому +1

      Lost or repressed?

  • @mch12311969
    @mch12311969 Рік тому +114

    Thank you, thank you, thank you; I am so sick of the myth that Edward VIII abdicated simply for Wallis Simpson.

    • @user-fw3fq3de3z
      @user-fw3fq3de3z Рік тому +6

      yep an offer that couldnt be refused

    • @bernardrandles8013
      @bernardrandles8013 Рік тому +11

      He was a traitor

    • @mch12311969
      @mch12311969 Рік тому +10

      @@bernardrandles8013 That is exactly my point.

    • @tombombadil9123
      @tombombadil9123 9 місяців тому +1

      Nobody ever really believed that. It was just a cover story, because the real truth would've been too damaging in 1938

    • @mch12311969
      @mch12311969 9 місяців тому

      @@tombombadil9123 But the myth keeps getting perpetuated

  • @georgesims4372
    @georgesims4372 Рік тому +1

    Thanks!

  • @mathewfullerton8577
    @mathewfullerton8577 Рік тому +2

    I very much appreciate when you candidly state, "This is pure speculation on my part." Too many don't let the listener know when they are doing so. Kudos.

  • @malakasquad2214
    @malakasquad2214 Рік тому +144

    House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was also also the name of the Royal Belgian House, which is now named House of Saxe-Coburg. The title Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha is still in use for the descendants of King Leopold I.

    • @stevetournay6103
      @stevetournay6103 Рік тому +12

      Interesting. (And that's not a connection I'd want to be saddled with...)

    • @marcturner2119
      @marcturner2119 Рік тому +9

      This is also an interesting historical gem, adding to the flavour of another remarkable video by Dr Felton … through casual meanderings

    • @tsz5868
      @tsz5868 Рік тому +1

      Dunno If there is some tie with princess Leopoldina married with Pedro I the Brazilian regent prince

    • @derekbowbrick6233
      @derekbowbrick6233 Рік тому +1

      That deserves a one armed salute.

    • @bronsonperich9430
      @bronsonperich9430 Рік тому +5

      All relations of Queen Vic.

  • @bevinboulder5039
    @bevinboulder5039 Рік тому +80

    Wow! Pretty amazing that literally every other historian has ignored this until now. Kudos Dr. Felton.

    • @scottcharney1091
      @scottcharney1091 Рік тому +2

      I wouldn't say "literally."

    • @jhvorlicky
      @jhvorlicky Рік тому

      A bit like almost all of mainstream media ignoring what has truly taken place over the last three years - they're under orders to ignore it.

    • @stewartellinson8846
      @stewartellinson8846 Рік тому

      It's a fairly obscure and unimportant historical footnote. it will have been mentioned in an academic journal and there will probably be the odd footnote about it in some biographies but it doesn't really tell us much. Maybe you need to read more academic history?
      What you really mean is "literally every other historian hasn't done a youtube video on this until now"

    • @bevinboulder5039
      @bevinboulder5039 Рік тому

      He made it accessible to the masses so to speak.

    • @erinharkiewicz7239
      @erinharkiewicz7239 Рік тому +1

      “Literally every other historian”
      Umm. The Crown did an episode on all this several years ago, based on work by many historians. And a full book - Traitor King - was published by Andrew Lownie last year

  • @denisegore1884
    @denisegore1884 Рік тому +63

    What a find and so surprising that it was just sitting there and you are the first to report it. I think Edward would have been a poor King no matter which country had him. He struck me as selfish, lazy and not very bright. He wanted all of the perks but without having to work for them. During his 1920 tour of New Zealand, he thought it tedious how the public fawned over him. He was supposed to be there to thank New Zealand for their sacrifices made for the Empire during WW1.

  • @JonathanMoosey
    @JonathanMoosey Рік тому +21

    Love most videos that Mark Felton comes out with. I enjoy learning all the complexity of history and the nuances of seemingly questionable allegiances that are not as black and white as many history teachers make them out to be.

  • @dougieranger
    @dougieranger Рік тому +1

    This type of find is exactly why this is the best history channel on UA-cam. 10/10

  • @johntamlyn6383
    @johntamlyn6383 Рік тому +259

    This is absolutely fascinating! And confirmation of Edward’s stupidity and total unfitness to be King. Sadly it was probably best that he remained a kind of unemployed celebrity and was not allowed a position from which he could influence or harm anyone.

    • @mapmanlxii1715
      @mapmanlxii1715 Рік тому +30

      I think Prince Harry is being iced out in a comparable manner! Though he’d be a lot less dangerous to the “Firm”

    • @petershen6924
      @petershen6924 Рік тому +15

      I think Earl Mountbatten was a much better choice as a British installed German monarch than Duke of Windsor.

    • @sto1238
      @sto1238 Рік тому +18

      @@mapmanlxii1715at least Harry isn’t parading around with Putin and Xi

    • @Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry
      @Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry Рік тому +13

      ​@@petershen6924Except that Churchill had barely a higher regard for "Dickie" than for "David". Churchill was quick to use the Dieppe debacle to have Mountbatten hustled off to Burma, well away from the European theatre. Churchill considered him an incompetent headline grabber who was too close to the Americans, and therefore a potential obstacle to Churchill's own wartime and post-war agendas.

    • @DB-su5qp
      @DB-su5qp Рік тому

      I wonder if Hitler would have entertained the idea if he won. I presume he would have been a pretender King of England. I guess we have to thank the Russians.

  • @cammackinnon
    @cammackinnon Рік тому +50

    Mark, as a young guy who loves history, I gotta say that your videos really stand out among the rest. Your attention to details and the stories you tell teach me so much that I never knew I needed to know. Thank you for being so knowledgeable and sharing it with the rest of us.

    • @gregrefon
      @gregrefon Рік тому

      As a quite old-ish guy who loves history, I can only concur, my dear youn frien. Could not said that better myself.

  • @dh4521
    @dh4521 Рік тому +14

    Such a kit o unpack here.....
    I am going to need to watch it a second time & I can't imagine the work that Mark put in to condensing all this research into a digestabe format.
    An incredible effort, well done sir!

  • @christianworrall2822
    @christianworrall2822 Рік тому +3

    Mark, I just want to say every time you upload a video, the world becomes a more interesting place. Your an absolute legend. Cheers mate.

  • @stephencalder8357
    @stephencalder8357 10 місяців тому +3

    Dr. Mark Felton, the Greatest Historian of Modern Times!

  • @mike6252
    @mike6252 Рік тому +52

    What a legend Mark is! Plus I love this chapter of British history

    • @MrW10021
      @MrW10021 Рік тому +1

      Did Wallis learn tricks from the bordellos of Shanghai?

  • @danielintheantipodes6741
    @danielintheantipodes6741 Рік тому +30

    Queen Alexandra loathed Germany with a passion. She never forgave the Kaiser for invading Denmark. As for the abdication, I would not call it a plot. I would call it a process. I have never begrudged Mrs Simpson a single jewel. I just feel gratitude towards her. She would have made a dreadful Queen, but she did successfully get him away from us. Glad that she never got a title though. Thank you for the video!

    • @conveyor2
      @conveyor2 Рік тому +4

      The Kaiser didn't invade Denmark.

    • @johnhblaubachea5156
      @johnhblaubachea5156 Рік тому +5

      @@conveyor2 Danielintheantipodes6741 is referring to the Seven Weeks War in 1864, when his grandfather and future Kaiser William I, the King of Prussia's armies invaded Schleswig-Holstein.

    • @johntamlyn6383
      @johntamlyn6383 Рік тому +1

      Blame Bismarck for that.

    • @danielintheantipodes6741
      @danielintheantipodes6741 Рік тому

      @@johnhblaubachea5156 👍

  • @preethyawesome8278
    @preethyawesome8278 Рік тому +51

    This is one of the best channels on UA-cam, since I learn something new everyday! Many thanks, Dr. Felton! Best wishes from Dublin, Ireland ☘

  • @Classicgamer73
    @Classicgamer73 Рік тому +2

    Isn't it strange that historians just forget some very important parts in history like this! Mark Fenton, you should be the staple for our History, end quote!

  • @kenkahre9262
    @kenkahre9262 Рік тому +16

    Both my parents, who were young teenaged Americans at the time, were so enchanted by "the King who gave up his throne for the woman he loved", were so disillusioned by the real story in their old age, would have been really disgusted by these new turn of events. I'm glad they're both gone now so they didn't hear it.

  • @purpleldv966
    @purpleldv966 Рік тому +12

    Come on 2 million subs! Dr. Felton deserves it!

  • @HiDesert004
    @HiDesert004 Рік тому +7

    Dr Felton knocking it out of the park this week!

  • @draw4kicks
    @draw4kicks Рік тому +13

    Actual historic discoveries on this channel! Brilliant work Mark!

  • @rafallouth5920
    @rafallouth5920 Рік тому

    Thanks for the great job!

  • @jeremyd1869
    @jeremyd1869 Рік тому +2

    Britain has the best historians, and Mark is the best of the best.

  • @Philobiblion
    @Philobiblion Рік тому +30

    One more example of Mark Felton's brilliant nose for live history: history which is still vital and undecided. And he keeps exceeding himself, throwing thunderbolts from mountain top to mountain top, as it were, like a titan. I don't know if MacArthur Genius Awards can be given to foreigners, but if possible, Mark Felton deserves one. He is doing more, personally and single-handedly, to advance the cause of making the history of WWII real to people today than any professional historian or university academic I know of. Good work and good luck. We are firm and fervent fans. PJT

  • @quiverdog
    @quiverdog Рік тому +14

    I have heard rumours of this, but now it makes sense. What I find amazing that these things in history can create as much drama now as they would then.

  • @NicoleSatchell-k8b
    @NicoleSatchell-k8b Рік тому +12

    That would be a great tale on film! Thanks Dr Mark.. Actual historic discoveries on this channel! Brilliant work Mark!.

  • @skittlesandfriends5710
    @skittlesandfriends5710 Рік тому +7

    I knew some about King Edward and his brief time as King and his closeness to Germany, my mom’s side of the Family is British, but I never knew the full extent of his involvement with the Germans, before, during, and after the War.
    What a remarkable story you have uncovered.

    • @susanlockyer1192
      @susanlockyer1192 8 місяців тому +1

      Imagine being offered the chance to re-take the British throne after Germany 'bombed the UK into submission' & thinking it was a good idea! All the other members of the RF would have been slaughtered

  • @ForceSmart
    @ForceSmart Рік тому +3

    More stories from National Archives, please. There are lots of good histories waiting to see the light of day.

  • @marcturner2119
    @marcturner2119 Рік тому +26

    Mark, you have happened upon an amazing gem of history through your diligence. One can only imagine how this would have played out in later years with the establishment of West Germany and the later reunification. David, as a Prince seemed ambitious to have things on his terms and I wonder what would have happened had the Prince applied for Hannoverian citizenship, were it formed as a discrete state, only to renounce British citizenship in order to take the throne.

    • @faithlesshound5621
      @faithlesshound5621 Рік тому +5

      "Subject and King are clean different things!" Edward would not have applied for citizenship to become king. However, without support from the British and American governments, the project would have remained a pipe dream of the tiny monarchist minority, on a par with restoring the throne of France. Things were going the other way in Europe: Stalin made the kings of Romania and Bulgaria abdicate, the Italians voted to abolish their monarchy, and that of Spain was in suspended animation.

    • @seanbigay1042
      @seanbigay1042 Рік тому

      Okay, I'm getting a bit confused here -- was he David or was he Edward?

    • @alexmckee4683
      @alexmckee4683 Рік тому +2

      He was both: David was his personal name (call name) as one of his forenames and Edward was his regal name.

    • @annwilliams6438
      @annwilliams6438 Рік тому +1

      @@seanbigay1042 The princes in Britain usually have a string of names. When Diana married Charles she even got the order of his names muddled up as she could not remember all of them correctly. ;) It came as a surprise for some people that Charles kept his calling name as his regal name. He might have chosen to be the next King George rather than Charles III.

  • @daniel_sc1024
    @daniel_sc1024 Рік тому +42

    His mother, Mary of Teck, was called that because her father was a Prince of Teck (a very minor German royal house) who married into the British royal family. However, he was penniless (and he discovered after marrying that his British princess, Mary Adelaide aka "Fat Mary," was just as penniless), and they lived in Britain, off of the graces of Queen Victoria; Mary and her siblings were born and raised in the U.K.

    • @MarkFeltonProductions
      @MarkFeltonProductions  Рік тому +34

      Doesn't make her any less German, does it?

    • @CL-vz6ch
      @CL-vz6ch Рік тому +5

      ​@@MarkFeltonProductionsthese videos are gripping. Absolutely top notch.

    • @MrMomo182
      @MrMomo182 Рік тому

      Fat Mary was Duchess of Cambridge, Queen Victoria's first cousin-the only other legitimate grandchild of George III.

    • @bronsonperich9430
      @bronsonperich9430 Рік тому

      So they were broke Germans

    • @daniel_sc1024
      @daniel_sc1024 Рік тому +5

      @@MarkFeltonProductions How do you define "German"? Does simply having "German blood" define her as German? Or does being born and raised in Britain all her life, speaking English and practicing English customs, make her English?

  • @RickMentore
    @RickMentore Рік тому +8

    This story is frequently presented in tabloid-like setting, thanks for presenting it in this political,diplomatic like manner.

    • @MrW10021
      @MrW10021 Рік тому +1

      In the olde Pathe genre.

  • @CAP198462
    @CAP198462 Рік тому +31

    Can we just appreciate how much Wallis Simpson did for the war effort.

    • @gregmichael8473
      @gregmichael8473 Рік тому +1

      Yeah, and everyone says that the US was late in coming to the party! They were there in 1938.

    • @merykhan97
      @merykhan97 11 місяців тому +1

      Depending on the side you're referring to.

    • @divadaedalus
      @divadaedalus 8 місяців тому

      The point,I think, is that Edward’s obsession with Wallis led him to abdicate. He was pro Nazi and utterly inept, spoiled and stubborn. Thank goodness he abdicated and Britain was not taken over by Hitler thus possibly changing the outcome of WWII.

    • @CAP198462
      @CAP198462 8 місяців тому +2

      @@divadaedalus yes, she got Edward to abdicate, which allowed King George VI to become king and not befriend the Austrian painter and his noughtsee club.

  • @Five-O_Reviews
    @Five-O_Reviews Рік тому +42

    The Crown, on Netflix, touched on this very briefly. If memory serves me correctly, the former King, on a trip to visit the Queen, and to ask to be back in the good graces of the royal family was flatly and coldly denied by Elizabeth because of a letter that was found by royal intelligence, in which it states that he had colluded with the Nazis in an attempt to retake the Throne. If you haven't watched The Crown, I highly recommend it, it's stylized history, but history none the less. Many thanks Dr. Felton.

    • @chombus2602
      @chombus2602 Рік тому +1

      Yeah, but this was before the war

    • @lynnewilliams3859
      @lynnewilliams3859 Рік тому +1

      Throne.

    • @Five-O_Reviews
      @Five-O_Reviews Рік тому

      Indeed, corrected. Thanks.@@lynnewilliams3859

    • @tinac3094
      @tinac3094 Рік тому +1

      The Crown is a drama series, not an accurate account of history. Don't depend on fiction for facts.

  • @danielschein6845
    @danielschein6845 Рік тому +177

    The British owe Wallace Simpson a great debt of gratitude for cutting short what would have been the disastrous reign of Edward. Can you imagine what it would have been like listening to his Nazi loving nonsense while Churchill was vowing to “fight them on the beaches” and defend their island home to the bitter end?

    • @paulrockatansky77
      @paulrockatansky77 Рік тому

      Simpson was most likely a German spy. It's the anti-Edwardian plotters that deserve credit, although she herself made for a convenient excuse with her unsavory reputation that made Edward's removal that much easier.

    • @lovablesnowman
      @lovablesnowman Рік тому +31

      It really is an amazing quirk of history that Edward VIII was forced to abdicate
      Thank god he was forced to abdicate

    • @WojciechP915
      @WojciechP915 Рік тому

      I don't know, maybe London would still be majority English, instead of pakis and blacks.

    • @R32R38
      @R32R38 Рік тому +8

      It could have been the end of the monarchy.

    • @gejost
      @gejost Рік тому +8

      The perception that he "loved" the Nazi is likely exaggerated. He didn't want a war. It's very logical for anyone who saw any of the carnage of war war one not to. He did observe some of the fighting.

  • @Sublette217
    @Sublette217 Рік тому +11

    Yours is one of just a few historian pages that I genuinely enjoy. You present excellent material, well researched, and avoiding the cutesy interjections of cartoon and media clips that certain other pages think make their presentations droll. You also pronounce names and places correctly. One certain “dark” producer is guilty of egregious mispronunciations, while others have too expansive estimations of the entertainment of their own wittiness and sense of humour.
    You and Drachinfel present some of the best military histories, with The History Guy close on your heels. I find some channels just completely unwatchable.
    Keep up the good work.

    • @personwhotalkstomuch4898
      @personwhotalkstomuch4898 Рік тому +1

      I agree, Mark and The History Guy are 2 of my favourite historians. They don’t waffle on & just present the facts in a concise manner that we can understand.

    • @Sublette217
      @Sublette217 Рік тому

      @@personwhotalkstomuch4898 We can tell who the real authorities on their topics are.

  • @dannyisonyoutube
    @dannyisonyoutube Рік тому +2

    Any time that I bring up something history-related, I always ask myself whether or not Dr. Felton would approve.
    Keep up the not just good, but SUPERIOR work Doc!
    If you ever make it to Cleveland, OH, we have the USS Cod Museum, the IX Center (a former factory for B-29's and Bulldog Tanks) and theres even a few decomissioned Nike missile sites around here.
    That's only touching the surface of my hometown's history!

  • @JohnD-tk9si
    @JohnD-tk9si Рік тому +1

    I Love these Kind of Stories Mark F.

  • @uahoe
    @uahoe Рік тому +12

    If you watch this channel, you're a history nerd like me. And most of the time, i have at least some prior knowledge of marks video, but he goes into details ive never heard of before.
    This though, ive never heard about this. This is awesome.
    Thank you Mark!

  • @samrodian919
    @samrodian919 Рік тому +3

    A true revelation Mark! What a discovery! Thank god the disgraced Windsor chappie wasn't even contemplated for any roll in Germany's future, nor any other countries either. He was a disgraced, womanising German playboy. So thankful that his brother the late King George VI was a better human being and Loyal to this country, despite his German ancestry. And thus we got in 1952 on George's death probably the best monarch this country ever had or will have. She reigned for 71 glorious years, God Bless Her!

  • @tomawen5916
    @tomawen5916 Рік тому +47

    excellent research. To belatedly learn that the English non-response to the German reoccupation of the Rhineland was contributed, in part, to Edward's opposition to the British responding militarily and throwing out the then weak Wehrmacht along with his pro-Nazi leanings (as well as admiration for Hitler and his gang of thugs) only reinforces the idea that keeping Edward off the throne of any nation was a good idea. Thank you again Dr. Felton!

    • @pixelpatter01
      @pixelpatter01 Рік тому +10

      If only they had been as firm with the Bolsheviks.

    • @ElaineWood-f2t
      @ElaineWood-f2t Рік тому +7

      I have read that Wallis Simpson was more enamored with the Germans than Edward VIII was. They were indeed quite a pair.

    • @badbotchdown9845
      @badbotchdown9845 Рік тому

      Sad they can't have hanging him

    • @jdools4744
      @jdools4744 Рік тому +2

      Edward was based and should have been king

    • @theenigmaticgamer
      @theenigmaticgamer Рік тому +7

      Edward was a traitor and a completely self centred individual. His narcissistic personality is not so far away from some members of the current royal family who have an equally strong feeling of their entitlement. Andrew and Harry take note!

  • @keithlegge6848
    @keithlegge6848 Рік тому +1

    I read a biography of Wallace Simpson several months ago and there was no mention of this at all. What a revelation and what a supreme historian we have in Mark.

  • @kensummers7757
    @kensummers7757 Рік тому +7

    Known throughout the Navy as “The man who gave up his job as First Lord of the Admiralty in exchange for the position of Third Mate on an American Tramp”. Harsh but funny- and true

  • @kellycoyle3255
    @kellycoyle3255 Рік тому +10

    This event was referenced in the Netflix show, The Crown, Season 2, episode 6 "Vergangenheit." Thank you for providing much more detail on this affair!

    • @nicolad8822
      @nicolad8822 Рік тому

      Why even mention that nonsense.

  • @i-a-g-r-e-e-----f-----jo--b
    @i-a-g-r-e-e-----f-----jo--b Рік тому +16

    That would be a great tale on film! Thanks Dr Mark.

  • @NEOCORTEX2025
    @NEOCORTEX2025 Рік тому

    Mark Felton you are really a genius man your voice is so quiet that i find myself understand the history easily + you have a really nice character, you are a likeable man continue please upload a videos about history this channel is a rare gem !

  • @wtharris2343
    @wtharris2343 Рік тому

    perhaps the best Felton video in a long line of great ones...

  • @Asger21
    @Asger21 Рік тому +42

    For 50 years, I have wondered why the revengeful Hitler, against his generals wishes, halted their tanks & artillery outside Dunkirk instead of destroying the trapped 400.000 English troops.
    Is it possible that Edward had influenced Hitlers decision?

    • @Mitch93
      @Mitch93 Рік тому +31

      Nope, it's because the tanks had outrun their supply lines.

    • @Mitch93
      @Mitch93 Рік тому +20

      If Edward had stopped it, why was he leaking the battleplans?

    • @islander8367
      @islander8367 Рік тому +13

      Dr. Felton has a video for this, as well. His video on German Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt.

    • @jorgeroaro
      @jorgeroaro Рік тому

      Hitler had sympathy for Britain, or at least he had until then, and still believed that a friendly peace could be reached with the English, now that France was defeated and Britain could no longer win the war (that was what the Germans assumed, of course). Hitler was perfectly willing to make a peace with the English that fully respected the British Empire and its possessions, in exchange for the English recognizing the German right to rule continental Europe, and of course, the last thing Hitler wanted was to carry out an unnecessary massacre of British soldiers at Dunkirk.

    • @84ceasar
      @84ceasar Рік тому +1

      ​@@Mitch93maybe he had agreement with Hitler to spare British life's in exchange for battle plans.

  • @geoffcartertheoreticalstru6484

    Amazing Mark - I've always wondered what is still "classified" from WW2 given we know about most of the Intelligence operations & military secrets - even the Cambridge boys - which is not unrelated . . . . . .

    • @steve08717
      @steve08717 Рік тому

      plenty theres a future eyes only classification it has a clause that the information can only be released a century after the last person mentioned in the file dies as long as a descendant doesn't block it then theres the royal library at windsor trick we often stash files there you have to get permission of the monarch to access them so never then theres simple misfiling even in the national archives if it has to be released we simply mislabel it with a boring number that no one will ask for hiding in plain sight no one can read the millions of hard copies to find the gold

    • @AtheistOrphan
      @AtheistOrphan Рік тому

      I believe that information relating to Amy Johnson’s fatal plane crash are sealed for 100 years.

  • @RedXlV
    @RedXlV Рік тому +5

    Reviving the Kingdom of Hannover as a British-style constitutional monarchy wouldn't have been an innately terrible idea, but Edward would've been perhaps the worst possible choice for the throne. His and George VI's younger brother Henry, Duke of Gloucester, on the other hand...

  • @Toix
    @Toix Рік тому

    I JUST WANTED TO SAY I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CHANNEL!!!!!

  • @leoh2690
    @leoh2690 Рік тому +2

    Just discovered your channel and it’s been a great thing indeed. Keep up your amazing work

  • @BigGuyBoleslaw
    @BigGuyBoleslaw Рік тому +4

    Confirmation that Germany offered to put Edward back on the throne was obtained by Noel Coward. He went to Portugal in 1940 to entertain Edward and Mrs. Simpson face to face. Edward told Coward all about it. Noel Coward reported it all to British military intelligence.
    Noel Coward never talked about this with anyone. He wrote it down in his diary. After he died in 1973, his lover Graham Payn went through the diary, edited it, and the world found out when the diary was published in 1982.

    • @MrW10021
      @MrW10021 Рік тому

      Instead h went to base 211 with the penguins......with the brits on their tail.

  • @rupturedduck6981
    @rupturedduck6981 Рік тому +7

    Dr. Felton the plot wasn't overlooked. The plot as you called it (my personal opinion) could have damaged the reputation of the British Crown. The plot was a weak point and the best way to protect a weak point is not to call attention to it. Your shows are great and the high point of my day when you upload one.

    • @tc2851
      @tc2851 Рік тому

      His strong pro-Nazi views are the real reason.

    • @rupturedduck6981
      @rupturedduck6981 Рік тому

      @tc2851 Yeah O.K. that too but I'll stick with my comment but I'm open to other suggestions. Maybe my mind can be changed.

  • @gordonbergslien30
    @gordonbergslien30 Рік тому +13

    A senior royal marries a divorced American ignorant of court life? That could never happen again. Oh, wait...

  • @user-qm7nw7vd5s
    @user-qm7nw7vd5s 11 місяців тому +1

    Fascinating backstory. Just like today, we see how the powers that be spin stories to fit their narrative. Especially in this critical election year, 2024, where new leaders will be chosen, not only in America, but in countries around the world that have representative forms of government.
    A lot of people still believe the fairytale, how a king gave up the throne for the woman he loved. This channel is one of the great gems of UA-cam. Happy to like and share, all the time.

  • @Afterburner
    @Afterburner Рік тому +2

    The history people THINK they know is constantly being shown to be based on illusions and your work is showing how things really were Mark. Keep up the good work!

  • @TheDreadnoughtgames
    @TheDreadnoughtgames Рік тому +6

    How is this not being made into a major TV documentary??

    • @the_lichemaster
      @the_lichemaster Рік тому +3

      Good job it hasn't. They would have just turned the solid 15 minutes of gold Dr Felton has given to us into 45 minutes of drawn-out padding plus adverts.

    • @richardkammerer2814
      @richardkammerer2814 Рік тому

      Anything is possible five time zones over here on streaming service.

    • @dougearnest7590
      @dougearnest7590 Рік тому +1

      They're still doing the research - to make sure they don't accidentally get anything right.

  • @skadoink1736
    @skadoink1736 Рік тому +3

    Ok, that has to be the most fascinating video you've done!
    Makes you wonder what other tidbits are hiding away in (somewhat) plain sight in various archives.....

  • @jamief1263
    @jamief1263 Рік тому +13

    I’m not particularly a royalist, however I’m an admirer of Albert and Elizabeth after him. They worked hard to erase the mess that Edward created.

    • @TOBAPNW_
      @TOBAPNW_ Рік тому +4

      Naked self-interest on their part.

    • @M167A1
      @M167A1 Рік тому

      My best friend's Mom was English.
      And she said something that really stuck with me.
      "You have to understand that before the war the Nazis didn't look so bad. The British government did a lot of the same things because of the depression, it wasn't until there was no peace after Dunkirk we knew we were in a fight to the end "
      I had a history professor back in the 80s have the class compare the FDR administration and the pre-war Nazi government.
      This isn't fair to FDR in many ways and we understood that but the idea of the state as sort of a parent for the nation was widespread on all sides. Certainly vastly different in execution..
      I'm saying this because we have the benefit of hindsight, something none of the subjects of our story has. If Edward had kept the throne and told the prime minister to hop it, he was going to marry who he wanted. Thank you very much, it's very interesting to consider what might have happened.

    • @jamief1263
      @jamief1263 Рік тому +1

      @@M167A1 I’m sure a Jewish person in Germany wouldn’t agree, however at the time a lot of countries didn’t mind Nazi Germany, as at the time there was more fear of the USSR and a strong Germany would help keep communism at bay. Some like Churchill were not fooled.
      Fortunately, as a constitutional monarch, Edward didn’t wield such power, any attempt to do this would backfired. The main person calling for Edward to abdicate or breakup with Wallace was the arch Bishop of Canterbury, which meant that Edward stood little chance of succeeding, as he needed the support of the church to win over the public.
      Edward was never suited for the thrown, he was selfish, lazy, rebellious and was better at being a playboy than a Royal.

  • @richardpetervonrahden6393
    @richardpetervonrahden6393 Рік тому +1

    Thank you Dr Felton for unearthing another fascinating “little detail” of history, and for presenting it so well.

  • @danielbeck9191
    @danielbeck9191 Рік тому +1

    Fascinating video!! Thank you for this lesson!

  • @heinrichmuller7974
    @heinrichmuller7974 Рік тому +4

    the Brits, and possibly the world at large, dodged a huge bullet with this guys abdication, kinda crazy to think there may be an alternate universe where he doesn't abdicate and buddies up with hitler ...

  • @BossVolt
    @BossVolt Рік тому +4

    Man just waltzes into the National Archives like its nothing and thinks "Yeah, this'll make a good video."
    We really don't deserve Dr. Felton and his unending dedication to history. Getting to meet you is now on my bucket list 😊

  • @emmettjones5165
    @emmettjones5165 Рік тому +5

    Macaulay, Gibbon....Felton. The finest historians, and histories, come from England. The best WWII documentaries have come from the English, ever since the end of the war. Of course, it was our American involvement that got me interested in this, but it has always been the English who have educated me.
    Thank you, Mark...

  • @richardcleveland8549
    @richardcleveland8549 7 місяців тому

    Remarkable and disturbing story, fueled by Edward's vanity. Whatever he saw in Wallis could not have been her "beauty", because the woman was as homely as a mud fence. Kudos to Dr. Felton for shining a light on this episode.

  • @tdubya75
    @tdubya75 Рік тому +1

    Fascinating stuff, Doc! I don’t know how you do it. I look forward to your videos more than anyone else on YT.

  • @robertmorey4104
    @robertmorey4104 Рік тому +6

    Fascinating I had no idea Edward was more German than a lot of Germans. He's lucky he only got sent to play in Bahamas during the war.

    • @MrW10021
      @MrW10021 Рік тому

      and some currency exchange

    • @davetravers4621
      @davetravers4621 Рік тому

      He was even more lucky not to see the end of a rope after the war.Due to who he was,most likely.

  • @alexbowman7582
    @alexbowman7582 Рік тому +4

    My friends elderly parents, now sadly dead, watched with disbelief and disgust the royal family’s reaction to the death of Wallace Simpson and they were muttering “the bastards didn’t want to know her when she was alive”.

    • @zzzbbbooo
      @zzzbbbooo Рік тому +2

      Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the Queen Mother, hated Wallis with a passion and Elizabeth II was known to be very careful "never to upset Mummy". Given her mother was still alive when Wallis died, Elizabeth was as gracious as she possibly could be.

  • @Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry
    @Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry Рік тому +5

    It would be extremely interesting to learn more of Ernest Augustus's role in the July Plot. Might be a thread worth pulling.

  • @paulspice4717
    @paulspice4717 Рік тому +1

    Excellent history and detective work. Thank you

  • @mriamilne
    @mriamilne Рік тому

    Another fabulous tour d’force Dr Felton. Ty.

  • @SmilingIbis
    @SmilingIbis Рік тому +10

    I now understand the total antipathy of an old German college roommate of mine toward the German aristocracy. I used to think he was overstating it, but these people always do seem to be up to something antidemocratic.

    • @TOBAPNW_
      @TOBAPNW_ Рік тому

      No kidding! have you heard of the (relatively) recent raid on a fascist paramilitary by german police?
      They were plotting a coup, had organised a shadow cabinet to install once they enacted the takeover, and their leader was none other than a member of the aristocracy

    • @bunnystrasse
      @bunnystrasse Рік тому +2

      Honestly, it would have been better to revive the German monarchy and make it something Germans can rally around

    • @patrickmunneke8348
      @patrickmunneke8348 Рік тому

      Being antidemocratic is a good thing

    • @scoliosis9478
      @scoliosis9478 11 місяців тому

      I mean German democracy seems pretty intent on removing the Germans as a people and a nation so maybe the aristocrats were onto something.

  • @jec1ny
    @jec1ny Рік тому +7

    Considering what she saved them from, I would think there should be a giant monument to Wallis Simpson somewhere in London.

  • @hueywallop2461
    @hueywallop2461 Рік тому +13

    Another great video! I highly recommend Andrew Lownie’s book “Traitor King: The Scandalous Exile of the Duke & Duchess of Windsor”, which portrays Edward VIII as a middle-aged child. Edward’s abdication was a good thing for the free world. His own mother and ERII never trusted him and ‘that woman’.🎉

  • @demetrisdemetriou7156
    @demetrisdemetriou7156 Рік тому

    I love Mr, Felton's analysis, comments and approach on these kind of issues! Well done!

  • @johnje4285
    @johnje4285 Рік тому +1

    That was fascinating and beautifully researched and narrated

  • @youngimperialistmkii
    @youngimperialistmkii Рік тому +94

    As an American. I apologize for Wallace Simpson, ugh.

    • @ericwalstrand3512
      @ericwalstrand3512 Рік тому +57

      I doubt she's nearly as bad as Meghan Markle

    • @brianrunyon266
      @brianrunyon266 Рік тому +7

      Same.

    • @EdMcF1
      @EdMcF1 Рік тому +24

      Nothing to apologise for, what a favour she did us, even if by accident.

    • @pauldurkee4764
      @pauldurkee4764 Рік тому +17

      We had a terrific British comedian called Les Dawson, he was a wonderful wordsnith, he would have likely described her as having a face like a bag of spanners.

    • @helifanodobezanozi7689
      @helifanodobezanozi7689 Рік тому +13

      ​@@ericwalstrand3512Meghan may not be perfect, but comparing her to someone who is pro-Nazi is too much. It pretty much gives credence to her and Harry's claims that race is a major factor in certain people's behavior towards them.

  • @patrickwhaley4111
    @patrickwhaley4111 Рік тому +3

    Remember reading an article that extolled Wall Simpson for saving England from disaster by marrying Edward. Funny how history can turned on trick of fate.

  • @WifeMamaArtist
    @WifeMamaArtist Рік тому +4

    We dodged a bullet when he abdicated. He was the complete opposite to his niece late Queen Elizabeth II

  • @NoGodsNoMasters1885
    @NoGodsNoMasters1885 Рік тому +1

    Wow, just wow. Dr. Felton, as a recent graduate in the field of history, my hat is most certainly off to you for this one.

  • @garycurry4600
    @garycurry4600 Рік тому +1

    I was talking to a friend a few hours ago, telling her I learned something new today…I will now tell her I learned 2 new things today 😂. Thank you, Dr. Felton, for helping to keep my brain active 😊

  • @georgemichaws3673
    @georgemichaws3673 Рік тому

    Best documentary channel ever continue the good job!!!! A fan from Greece!

  • @lteht6919
    @lteht6919 Рік тому +4

    Dr. Felton, Thank you for your continued amazing videos and books.