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

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 2K

  • @scottgregory4255
    @scottgregory4255 ปีที่แล้ว +2807

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      agreed

    • @vic5015
      @vic5015 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +47

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

    • @josephsandoval9825
      @josephsandoval9825 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      INDEED!!

    • @josephsandoval9825
      @josephsandoval9825 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      INDEED!!

  • @kealanmcateer124
    @kealanmcateer124 ปีที่แล้ว +519

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      There are no wasted words and every sentence is informative.

    • @blueblack3591
      @blueblack3591 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      True

  • @testtoon1452
    @testtoon1452 ปีที่แล้ว +678

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      I thought that was Charlie Boy.

    • @kayeninetwo3585
      @kayeninetwo3585 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +13

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

    • @InTecknicolour
      @InTecknicolour ปีที่แล้ว +8

      freda dudley ward and thelma furness

    • @baraxor
      @baraxor ปีที่แล้ว +23

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

  • @drvee1983
    @drvee1983 ปีที่แล้ว +124

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +144

    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.

  • @nandi123
    @nandi123 ปีที่แล้ว +652

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      Agreed

    • @gordonbergslien30
      @gordonbergslien30 ปีที่แล้ว +61

      Vacuous? Malignant? Narcissists? This sounds very familiar!

    • @mrcheddar
      @mrcheddar ปีที่แล้ว +29

      @@gordonbergslien30 OMG, my thoughts exactly!

    • @markjeffery3237
      @markjeffery3237 ปีที่แล้ว +26

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

    • @MayYourGodGoWithYou
      @MayYourGodGoWithYou ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +624

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@pixelpatter01 There

    • @pixelpatter01
      @pixelpatter01 ปีที่แล้ว

      right you are
      @@garyfrancis6193

    • @thesteelrodent1796
      @thesteelrodent1796 ปีที่แล้ว +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

  • @sandyj342
    @sandyj342 ปีที่แล้ว +300

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

    • @richardkammerer2814
      @richardkammerer2814 ปีที่แล้ว +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.

  • @CigarAttache
    @CigarAttache ปีที่แล้ว +57

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

    • @bonnie_gail
      @bonnie_gail 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @susanlockyer1192
      @susanlockyer1192 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @georgesims4372
    @georgesims4372 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks!

  • @Luigi_T
    @Luigi_T ปีที่แล้ว +140

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I second Luigi's motion!

    • @ChanchoBlanco
      @ChanchoBlanco ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @killthereds2.043
      @killthereds2.043 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @matpk
      @matpk ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @killthereds2.043
      @killthereds2.043 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @RevMikeBlack
    @RevMikeBlack ปีที่แล้ว +912

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +134

      Your dad was spot on!

    • @jvstcu76
      @jvstcu76 ปีที่แล้ว +217

      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 ปีที่แล้ว +177

      Harry should have learned from him.

    • @drvee1983
      @drvee1983 ปีที่แล้ว +54

      Sounds like your Dad was a wise man.

    • @Classicgamer73
      @Classicgamer73 ปีที่แล้ว +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

  • @Lemma01
    @Lemma01 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +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 TH-cam!

  • @PhilippensTube
    @PhilippensTube ปีที่แล้ว +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!

  • @jmcclure55
    @jmcclure55 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    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.

  • @bevinboulder5039
    @bevinboulder5039 ปีที่แล้ว +82

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

    • @scottcharney1091
      @scottcharney1091 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I wouldn't say "literally."

    • @jhvorlicky
      @jhvorlicky ปีที่แล้ว

      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 ปีที่แล้ว

      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 ปีที่แล้ว

      He made it accessible to the masses so to speak.

    • @erinharkiewicz7239
      @erinharkiewicz7239 ปีที่แล้ว +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

  • @mch12311969
    @mch12311969 ปีที่แล้ว +116

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      yep an offer that couldnt be refused

    • @bernardrandles8013
      @bernardrandles8013 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      He was a traitor

    • @mch12311969
      @mch12311969 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@bernardrandles8013 That is exactly my point.

    • @tombombadil9123
      @tombombadil9123 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@tombombadil9123 But the myth keeps getting perpetuated

  • @Anton_Chigurh_2007
    @Anton_Chigurh_2007 ปีที่แล้ว +78

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      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 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@Rusty_Gold85 true!

    • @SirAntoniousBlock
      @SirAntoniousBlock ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @Dulcimertunes
      @Dulcimertunes ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lost or repressed?

  • @cherylventer7075
    @cherylventer7075 ปีที่แล้ว +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 !!

  • @JonathanMoosey
    @JonathanMoosey ปีที่แล้ว +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.

  • @cammackinnon
    @cammackinnon ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @4sstg
    @4sstg ปีที่แล้ว +315

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +54

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

    • @jonathanlong6987
      @jonathanlong6987 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      An excellent point I had not considered… until now.

    • @edgaraquino2324
      @edgaraquino2324 ปีที่แล้ว +8

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

    • @archstanton6102
      @archstanton6102 ปีที่แล้ว +26

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

    • @leebarrr
      @leebarrr ปีที่แล้ว +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.

  • @malakasquad2214
    @malakasquad2214 ปีที่แล้ว +146

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +12

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

    • @marcturner2119
      @marcturner2119 ปีที่แล้ว +9

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

    • @tsz5868
      @tsz5868 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @derekbowbrick6233
      @derekbowbrick6233 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That deserves a one armed salute.

    • @bronsonperich9430
      @bronsonperich9430 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      All relations of Queen Vic.

  • @rafallouth5920
    @rafallouth5920 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the great job!

  • @christianworrall2822
    @christianworrall2822 ปีที่แล้ว +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.

  • @mike6252
    @mike6252 ปีที่แล้ว +52

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

    • @MrW10021
      @MrW10021 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Did Wallis learn tricks from the bordellos of Shanghai?

  • @preethyawesome8278
    @preethyawesome8278 ปีที่แล้ว +51

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

    • @niallmartin9063
      @niallmartin9063 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It’s just an amazing Channel ☘️🇮🇪

    • @philipmulville8218
      @philipmulville8218 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@niallmartin9063 Indeed it is 🇮🇪

  • @dh4521
    @dh4521 ปีที่แล้ว +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!

  • @mathewfullerton8577
    @mathewfullerton8577 ปีที่แล้ว +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.

  • @dougieranger
    @dougieranger ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @denisegore1884
    @denisegore1884 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    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.

  • @johntamlyn6383
    @johntamlyn6383 ปีที่แล้ว +260

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +15

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

    • @sto1238
      @sto1238 ปีที่แล้ว +18

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

    • @Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry
      @Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว

      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.

  • @HiDesert004
    @HiDesert004 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Dr Felton knocking it out of the park this week!

  • @stephencalder8357
    @stephencalder8357 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

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

  • @purpleldv966
    @purpleldv966 ปีที่แล้ว +12

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

  • @Philobiblion
    @Philobiblion ปีที่แล้ว +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

  • @draw4kicks
    @draw4kicks ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Actual historic discoveries on this channel! Brilliant work Mark!

  • @jeremyd1869
    @jeremyd1869 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @Classicgamer73
    @Classicgamer73 ปีที่แล้ว +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!

  • @NicoleSatchell-k8b
    @NicoleSatchell-k8b ปีที่แล้ว +12

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

  • @quiverdog
    @quiverdog ปีที่แล้ว +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.

  • @danielintheantipodes6741
    @danielintheantipodes6741 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      The Kaiser didn't invade Denmark.

    • @johnhblaubachea5156
      @johnhblaubachea5156 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Blame Bismarck for that.

    • @danielintheantipodes6741
      @danielintheantipodes6741 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@johnhblaubachea5156 👍

  • @NEOCORTEX2025
    @NEOCORTEX2025 ปีที่แล้ว

    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 !

  • @Sublette217
    @Sublette217 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @marcturner2119
    @marcturner2119 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @alexmckee4683
      @alexmckee4683 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @annwilliams6438
      @annwilliams6438 ปีที่แล้ว +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.

  • @uahoe
    @uahoe ปีที่แล้ว +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!

  • @ForceSmart
    @ForceSmart ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @dannyisonyoutube
    @dannyisonyoutube ปีที่แล้ว +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!

  • @kellycoyle3255
    @kellycoyle3255 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว

      Why even mention that nonsense.

  • @skittlesandfriends5710
    @skittlesandfriends5710 ปีที่แล้ว +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 หลายเดือนก่อน +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

  • @CAP198462
    @CAP198462 ปีที่แล้ว +31

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

    • @gregmichael8473
      @gregmichael8473 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @merykhan97
      @merykhan97 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Depending on the side you're referring to.

    • @divadaedalus
      @divadaedalus 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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 หลายเดือนก่อน +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.

  • @TheSaltydog07
    @TheSaltydog07 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is much to unpack. I'll watch again. My twin and I are fascinated by these strange people. A lot of ink has been spilled about them. Thank you. Dr. Felton, as always. ♥

  • @georgemichaws3673
    @georgemichaws3673 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @RickMentore
    @RickMentore ปีที่แล้ว +8

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

    • @MrW10021
      @MrW10021 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      In the olde Pathe genre.

  • @geoffcartertheoreticalstru6484
    @geoffcartertheoreticalstru6484 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    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 ปีที่แล้ว

      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 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @skadoink1736
    @skadoink1736 ปีที่แล้ว +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.....

  • @richardpetervonrahden6393
    @richardpetervonrahden6393 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @kensummers7757
    @kensummers7757 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    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

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

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

  • @kenkahre9262
    @kenkahre9262 ปีที่แล้ว +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.

  • @lisahinton9682
    @lisahinton9682 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Once again, I have learned something about this subject that I hadn't known before; thank you so much for your work.

  • @Toix
    @Toix ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry
    @Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

  • @TheDreadnoughtgames
    @TheDreadnoughtgames ปีที่แล้ว +6

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

    • @the_lichemaster
      @the_lichemaster ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @dougearnest7590
      @dougearnest7590 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @gordonbergslien30
    @gordonbergslien30 ปีที่แล้ว +14

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

  • @NoGodsNoMasters1885
    @NoGodsNoMasters1885 ปีที่แล้ว +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.

  • @danielbeck9191
    @danielbeck9191 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fascinating video!! Thank you for this lesson!

  • @tdubya75
    @tdubya75 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @daniel_sc1024
    @daniel_sc1024 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    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  ปีที่แล้ว +34

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

    • @CL-vz6ch
      @CL-vz6ch ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @MrMomo182
      @MrMomo182 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @bronsonperich9430
      @bronsonperich9430 ปีที่แล้ว

      So they were broke Germans

    • @daniel_sc1024
      @daniel_sc1024 ปีที่แล้ว +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?

  • @samrodian919
    @samrodian919 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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!

  • @Five-O_Reviews
    @Five-O_Reviews ปีที่แล้ว +43

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, but this was before the war

    • @lynnewilliams3859
      @lynnewilliams3859 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Throne.

    • @Five-O_Reviews
      @Five-O_Reviews ปีที่แล้ว

      Indeed, corrected. Thanks.@@lynnewilliams3859

    • @tinac3094
      @tinac3094 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @wtharris2343
    @wtharris2343 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @leoh2690
    @leoh2690 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @tomawen5916
    @tomawen5916 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    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 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      If only they had been as firm with the Bolsheviks.

    • @ElaineWood-f2t
      @ElaineWood-f2t ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sad they can't have hanging him

    • @jdools4744
      @jdools4744 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Edward was based and should have been king

    • @theenigmaticgamer
      @theenigmaticgamer ปีที่แล้ว +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!

  • @MichaelPickles
    @MichaelPickles ปีที่แล้ว +9

    If Mark had been a history teacher then it would have been my favourite lessons, 😊

  • @WifeMamaArtist
    @WifeMamaArtist ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @demetrisdemetriou7156
    @demetrisdemetriou7156 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @JohnD-tk9si
    @JohnD-tk9si ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I Love these Kind of Stories Mark F.

  • @rupturedduck6981
    @rupturedduck6981 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว

      His strong pro-Nazi views are the real reason.

    • @rupturedduck6981
      @rupturedduck6981 ปีที่แล้ว

      @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.

  • @hueywallop2461
    @hueywallop2461 ปีที่แล้ว +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’.🎉

  • @kfeltenberger
    @kfeltenberger ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I wasn't feeling well the other day and binged about eight hours of Dr. Felton's videos...While I still felt crappy, I also felt like I had spent the night at a Holiday Inn Express and knew that if I had my IQ tested that it would have gone up a couple points!
    😐😉😁
    In all seriousness, this is a fantastic bit of unintentional sleuthing...Bravo Zulu!

    • @dougearnest7590
      @dougearnest7590 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Plus an additional point for the Holiday Inn Express reference.
      Stay hydrated, my friend.

    • @MrW10021
      @MrW10021 ปีที่แล้ว

      free pancakes@@dougearnest7590

  • @paulspice4717
    @paulspice4717 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent history and detective work. Thank you

  • @jamesburnett7085
    @jamesburnett7085 ปีที่แล้ว

    Again, you have revealed information about events unknown to me. Bravo!

  • @akaddemirdag
    @akaddemirdag ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Dr Felton you are an absolute animal. I can not get enough of your channel and information. Also - the story resembles a bit with the dutch royal family and Prince Bernard. He also had ties with the nazis and received large amount of money during en after the war.

  • @Asger21
    @Asger21 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +31

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

    • @Mitch93
      @Mitch93 ปีที่แล้ว +20

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

    • @islander8367
      @islander8367 ปีที่แล้ว +13

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

    • @jorgeroaro
      @jorgeroaro ปีที่แล้ว

      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 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @BossVolt
    @BossVolt ปีที่แล้ว +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 😊

  • @mriamilne
    @mriamilne ปีที่แล้ว

    Another fabulous tour d’force Dr Felton. Ty.

  • @Minwoman
    @Minwoman ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Absolutely fantastic history. Quality production. Keep them great as always❤

  • @danielschein6845
    @danielschein6845 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว

      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 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @R32R38
      @R32R38 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      It could have been the end of the monarchy.

    • @gejost
      @gejost ปีที่แล้ว +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.

  • @RedXlV
    @RedXlV ปีที่แล้ว +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...

  • @patrickwhaley4111
    @patrickwhaley4111 ปีที่แล้ว +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.

  • @johnje4285
    @johnje4285 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was fascinating and beautifully researched and narrated

  • @stevenmorley1639
    @stevenmorley1639 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another Scoop for Prof Felton , well done . Most interesting.

  • @heinrichmuller7974
    @heinrichmuller7974 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ...

  • @Marvel66666
    @Marvel66666 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    2:20 Albert was very popular, so the Royal Albert Hall and a memorial in Hyde Park were placed after the German prince.
    In the badge of the Prince of Wales, it is written in German "ich dien" ( I serve ) King Charles speaks also German.

    • @faithlesshound5621
      @faithlesshound5621 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      There's an old controversy as to whether Edward I said "ich dien" when presenting his son to the Welsh, or "eich dyn" which means "your man" in Welsh and would have made more sense. Or was the motto adopted by the Black Prince to honour John of Luxemburg, King of Bohemia, who was killed at the Battle of Crécy?

    • @Graham-ce2yk
      @Graham-ce2yk ปีที่แล้ว

      I know of at least one child who was given as his first and second names Victor Albert in honor of the then Royal Couple, sadly he never survived to reach his teens.

  • @emmettjones5165
    @emmettjones5165 ปีที่แล้ว +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...

  • @Afterburner
    @Afterburner ปีที่แล้ว +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!

  • @aldostefanini1392
    @aldostefanini1392 ปีที่แล้ว

    And once again Dr FELTON has shown us that he is the best historian in our times. Thank you once again Dr. Greetings from South Africa

  • @lesames3743
    @lesames3743 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow another wonderful story scooped from seemingly nowhere. Great story Mark..

  • @alexbowman7582
    @alexbowman7582 ปีที่แล้ว +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 ปีที่แล้ว +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.