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Empire

15. The Last Viceroy of India

Nov 1, 2022
Alex von Tunzelmann joins Anita and William to discuss Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India. Topics include: Mountbatten's superstar marriage, relationships with Nehru and Jinnah, role in the India partition, background and upbringing, grueling campaign in Burma during WW2, urgency and violence of power transfer in India, and the decision to partition India.
56:26

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Lord Mountbatten and his wife Edwina Ashley were seen as celebrities and their marriage symbolized the union of class and wealth in Britain.
  • Mountbatten's excellent people skills and connections earned him the position of Supreme Allied Commander of Southeast Asia during World War II, despite his questionable military successes.

Deep dives

Lord Mountbatten and Edwina Ashley: A Glamorous Celebrity Marriage

Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, and his wife Edwina Ashley were seen as celebrities of their time. Their lavish wedding was attended by royalty and celebrities, highlighting their social significance in Britain. Mountbatten, despite his German origins, was considered completely British and had a naval background. Edwina came from great wealth and was possibly the wealthiest heiress of her time. Their marriage was a celebrity union, combining class and wealth, much like a Jane Austen novel.

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