The Spy Who

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.

Travel back to January 1944 as Hardy Amies grapples with the stakes of espionage in WWII. Discover the intense planning behind liberating Antwerp, where daring SOE agents take on Nazi defenses. The podcast dives deep into the emotional scars left on Brussels after the war, revealing the personal struggles of those who survived. An intriguing tale of Prosper De Zieta unfolds, showcasing his hidden identity while echoing the glamour of a fashion designer whose work graces Queen Elizabeth II. Explore loyalty and betrayal in the intertwining worlds of royalty and intelligence.

Armed with a new secret weapon, Amies compiles a kill list to deal with Nazi collaborators, including the traitor taking down his agents one by one. Will the Belgians back his scheme? Some gun sound effects courtesy of Mike Burns & Fabien Compos of youtube.com/@BlokeontheRangeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

British fashion designer Hardy Amies applies for a second job as a spymaster as World War 2 begins. Before long, he's sending his men directly into the dangers of Nazi-occupied Belgium, and his guilt threatens to overtake him. Who is the man with the missing finger entrapping British agents?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Cumming, writer, actor, composer and originator of Operation Mincemeat: The Musical, transformed one of WWII’s most surreal tales—a corpse planted with fake intelligence to mislead the Nazis—into an all-singing, all-dancing West End sensation. Our host, Charlie Higson speaks to David about finding musical comedy in this unlikely wartime story, and balancing humour with the operation's darker truths.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With 160,000 Allied troops about to invade Sicily, the Operation Mincemeat team hunt for signs that the Nazis fell for their con. But are the Germans fooled, or about to turn Britain’s double cross against the Allies?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Germany and Britain both want the same thing: to get Major Bill Martin’s briefcase into the hands of the Nazis. But will Operation Mincemeat’s ploy survive a reckless chauffeur, an inquisitive coroner and the rule-abiding Spanish Navy?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

During World War II, the Allies devise a brilliant deception known as Operation Mincemeat to mislead Hitler. The podcast reveals the heart-wrenching tale of Glindor Michael, a homeless man involved in this covert operation. Listeners learn about the clever tactics of the British Double Cross Committee and the creative brainstorming sessions that led to planting false intelligence on a corpse. With a mix of spy craft and humor, the preparation and execution of this audacious strategy showcase the lengths taken to alter the course of the war.

Jack Barsky was arguably one of the most successful and enduring of the "Illegals”. These were the Soviet and Russian operatives who seamlessly integrated into American society while covertly serving their handlers in Moscow. But as Jack started a family in his new country, the weight of his double life began to take its toll. Talking to actor and spy novelist Charlie Higson, Jack delves into his remarkable journey from Soviet KGB agent to devoted American family man, taking us inside his daring decision to fake his own death to escape his handlers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Time’s running out to arrest the illegals, but before the FBI can bust them it needs the okay from President Barack Obama. However, it means trashing the president’s plan to make nice with Russia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.