The Spy Who The Spy Who Dressed the Queen | The Royal Family's spy links | 4
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May 13, 2025 Richard Aldrich and Rory Cormac, esteemed scholars and co-authors of 'The Secret Royals', explore the British royal family's intriguing ties to espionage. They discuss how Queen Victoria and Elizabeth II operated as intelligence handlers, accessing sensitive information and influencing national security. The conversation touches on spies visiting Buckingham Palace, Princess Diana's complex relationship with the intelligence community, and how modern royals like King Charles engage with secret services today. Secrets steeped in history reveal a legacy of royal intrigue.
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Spies Serve the Crown
- British spies serve the crown, not just the government, emphasizing loyalty to the monarch.
- Tea with The Queen or King is a real tradition rewarding top British spies.
Queen Elizabeth II's Intelligence Role
- Queen Elizabeth II was the top intelligence report reader, receiving the most secret documents.
- She regularly met intelligence chiefs and actively engaged in intelligence analysis.
Queen's Message Affected Shah
- A message to the Shah of Iran to stay was mistakenly signed by the Queen instead of the ship Queen Elizabeth.
- The message's royal origin persuaded the Shah to stay, influencing the 1953 coup indirectly.