PART 1: WHAT Are They HIDING? ⭐️Andrew Lownie⭐️

What a delight to have Andrew Lownie visit The Vintage Read Show!
Best-selling author of Stalin's Englishmen, The Mountbattens & Traitor King.
He has been a bookseller, publisher, and journalist, writing for the Times, Telegraph, Wall Street Journal, Spectator and Guardian, and since 1988 has run his own literary agency specialising in history and biography.
You can support him by purchasing his books here:
www.amazon.co.uk/andrew-lowni...
00:00 Introduction
00:33 What was in the Broadlands Archive?
01:35 Southampton University
02:19 Access Denied
03:32 Why wasn't it catalogued?
05:01 Catch and kill?
06:23 Denied due to Ministerial Direction
09:15 Andrew had to Lawyer Up!
10:51 Final Tribunal Decision
12:57 No one backed him up
14:55 500,000 Pounds Costs
16:30 Anyone Apologise In Private?
17:41 Briefing Against Him
18:58 Monitored By The State
22:14 Britain "Banana Republic" FOI?
22:56 The National Archives
27:04 The Footman & The Royal Archives
29:39 Visiting The Royal Archives
32:34 USA Archives
34:13 When did harassment start?
35:12 FBI Files Mountbatten

[@lily_m3538]

All this material was paid for by public funds and should be available to historians and interested parties. Disgraceful to hide it. Kudos to Andrew Lownie for persistence and attempting to do the right thing. More archivists should be supporting him. Fascinating history and should be released,

[@thevintageread]

It is! This is just the tip of the iceberg!

[@hazelholmshaw9415]

Get the King on to this he should sort it out for his subjects as we are called,what's the point in paying all that money if you can't get to it.

[@daisyd2392]

​@hazelholmshaw9415 The Royals are the ones censoring and destroying. KC III is apart of it

[@andrewlownie2033]

@@daisyd2392 I fear so. I have written to the King's Private Secretary about the issue. I had no reply.

[@lovelearning7467]

What are they so afraid of? Monarchy not so worthy after all?

[@Andrea-Marie]

I am an amateur historian and I can confirm how many historians are either jealous guys or cowards due to their fear being "blocked" or sanctioned by the authorities. So, I am full of respect for Andrew and I wish him all the best. Thank you, Shauna, it is a great interview. Greetings from Austria.

[@lfc286]

Eye opening and very frustrating. As a librarian and history buff destroying files makes my blood boil. Andrew has a strong character to go through what he has without being totally bitter. Looking forward to part 2 Shauna.

[@thevintageread]

Part 2 is 🔥

[@AVToth]

Anyone who watches Niel Sean knows how he started getting persnickety about mentioning other channels or websites and then stated he would shadow ban, "hide this channel from you". Shortly after that, I stumbled across an announcement from, I can't remember the exact name of the office in London but it was an official address. They were seeking public comment, were only going to taking comment for 2 more weeks regarding original wills for London, Wales and another place I can't remember because, oddly, none of those are in Texas and I am. They were digitizing ORIGINALS will going back to 👉 1598 👈 and were going to destroy the originals. HAND WRITTEN WILLS FROM 1598, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 🆘️ Public comment could save the originals. I don't live there but my family, Whitworth was in London in 1598 and the thought of the handwritting, wills included household inventory, hand written! 😢I thought I was going to vomit. I knew Seans feelings, but it was the only channel I watched at the time that had a following from there, in the age group that would care. I couldn't find how to contact him, privately so as not to twist his panties, but nothing. I wrote the comment, told him this was for his followers because I didn't live there but thought they might appreciate knowing this. I'd checked the web address and it was legit, and people would appreciate saving their ancestors documents. It was in the first 30ish comments. He took it down because I checked to see and it was gone. I feel terrible and just want to cry over the loe of those invaluable records. Digital is great but holding something written by them or for them was something that has made me hate shredders.

[@Rowena1960]

Shauna, you are one of the most intelligent and well-informed interviewers I have ever seen.

[@thevintageread]

Thank you Rowena x

[@lovelearning7467]

And you (Shauna) bring the most uncovered and original material! You deserve an award!

[@yachoobful]

When you hear someone as intelligent, sensible and knowledgeable as Andrew describe all this it’s really quite chilling and you wonder exactly what else has been censored, manipulated and hidden from us. Terrific interview, I really had no idea just how difficult it had gotten for him.

[@thevintageread]

Gobsmacking isn’t it!

[@yachoobful]

@@thevintagereadand then some!

[@Meanook]

My highest possible respect for Mr. Lownie

[@finleykim]

I've been following Andrew's difficulties getting to the truth for a few years with great interest - even making a couple of modest contributions to his Go-Fund-Me. I am so disappointed by the evident suppression of the truth. Who on earth does anyone think they are protecting? I feel tremendously for him and see that you are, brilliant as always, an astute and well informed interviewer. Andrew Lownie's books are very well researched and written and the attempts at suppressing his request for the truth dismaying -- to say the least. Well done Shauna. I look forward to part 2 -- The Mountbattens is quite the read.

[@thevintageread]

It sure is! A lot more evidence has come to light since the book was published and we discuss that!

[@lisalivingston6473]

@@thevintageread Sounds enticing, Shauna...can't wait for Part 2 of your interview!

[@colleenluiz3678]

To have history destroyed like that is disturbing. Can we ever believe anything we read.

[@andrewlownie2033]

We live in an era of fake news.

[@edd9032]

Yes, the Bible🤗🫶🏼

[@booperpotpie9634]

Unfortunately, even the Bible has been fiddled with. I had to study the original Aramaic and Hebrew used as Greek translators didn't always have the *exact* word so some put in what 'they thought' was the closest to the original, but this caused passages to read entirely different from what was originally written. One example is the exile of Noah's son for "uncovering his father's nakedness" which makes it seem as if he was exiled only because he saw his (drunken) father unclothed. The original text relates an entirely different scenario, for which exile is totally reasonable given the circumstances. Another example is the changing of wine skins to bottles (Luke 5:37-38. Putting fresh wine that needs to ferment into an old wineskin will cause it to burst due to its brittleness. Substituting bottle here makes zero sense...but small changes have occurred over time. I have witnessed this myself. This is not to say that the Bible shouldn't be read. It should, but in order to truly understand it, one must study it.

[@evelynharper6346]

​@@booperpotpie9634Hebrew is notoriously difficult to translate, even modern day Hebrew, it's almost a language unto itself. You have to almost live the language and feel it, if that makes sense. Well done you for studying the originals.

[@cornelia9778]

I don’t think we can believe all historical material. Even the Bible was corrupted by the various writers.

[@carolynovens5074]

There are royal experts & then there is Andrew Lownie. Totally gripping. I hope his papers are wonderfully archived!

[@andrewlownie2033]

Thank you. I hope royal biographers will be more honest in future.

[@avissmith8384]

How heartbreaking for Andrew. This was an interview and a half. Good one Shauna and yes do have this man back. So much knowledge and so interesting. It is wicked to think so much history has been lost. Lies and scandles abound. ❤

[@thevintageread]

Sunday is part 2 and you won’t believe your ears!

[@journeysintothelight2133]

@@thevintageread Now I'm even more thrilled! Bring it on! THANK YOU, Amazing Shauna! And thank you, Andrew, you are a brave man indeed! I need to make time to read his Mountbatten book ASAP...

[@Skylark123]

Thank you Shauna for helping Andrew bring this to the attention of more people.

[@sandrahollinshead8713]

Really interesting. How awful to lose your savings. But a very strong character to fight for what is right.

[@thevintageread]

Indeed!

[@andrewlownie2033]

@@thevintageread Maybe the film rights will be sold and it will have a happy ending.

[@pollyparrot9447]

I'd love to see a movie about a mild mannered historian triumphing over the information hoarding archivists. I see Michael Sheen as Mr Lownie.

[@lorrainejohnston1460]

Absolutely fascinating insight into British bureaucracy, Shauna and Andrew. I so admire Andrew for pushing on with his case despite the many roadblocks placed in his way and the less than satisfactory outcome for both himself and British justice.

[@ClaireBaxter]

Thank you, Shauna. You have raised the bar and set a high standard for interviewing, which is so refreshing. I found it all very interesting tonight and look forward to the next one on Sunday.

[@thevintageread]

So glad!

[@barbraluce5706]

Our book club reads and values the brilliant and precise writing of Andrew Lownie.

[@StacieMo]

What a great interview! I love Andrew Lownie and have so much more respect for him after listening today. I knew of his struggles with bureaucracy but had no idea the financial toll it has been for him. So sad with all he has been through that he doesn't have more backing from outsiders...he is a literary hero in my book! I can't wait for you to have him on again and continue his amazing story....Thank you Shauna!♥️

[@anitahayne8621]

I own two of Andrew Lownie’s books. He is an excellent writer and historian. If he continues to write, I will continue to purchase his books.

[@andrewlownie2033]

Prince Andrew is out next year.

[@anitahayne8621]

@@andrewlownie2033 I look forward to buying it.

[@krisy-in-italy]

So looking forward to part 2, I am appalled at the treatment of Andrew. Just goes to show all government is crooked and the rights of the people means nothing. It’s shameful and scary for all of us.

[@sheilawallen]

Well done Andrew on persistence and courage to unveil the truth contained in historical archives! This is the era of enlightenment ,to uncover secrets and promote awareness. I will be buying the book on the Mountbattens after the excellent interview with Shauna😊

[@andrewlownie2033]

Thank you and I hope you enjoy it.

[@jayembee7067]

I’ve come to the realisation that we all live in a banana republic when it comes to information elites don’t want the plebs to know as this is one of the ways to keep their power. What makes the world go round? Money, power and control. ❤️from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@LoriManning]

Lownie is fascinating.

[@viviennemargaretprescott9717]

Truly brilliant, insightful and most disturbing. I have read some of Mr Lounies books and am a huge fan and remain in awe of his perseverance, saddened by the losses he has incurred and can only hope he manages to plough ahead through the quagmire of deceit and destruction in search of the truth. I am not too surprised to hear history has been 'modified ' but i am so shocked as to how much past and present interference is continuing to protect public figures.

[@andrewlownie2033]

Thanks so much for your support. Good to know one isn't alone.

[@catris9670]

I wish I could afford to be Andrew's benefactor. Not only is he an extraordinary editor, writer and researcher, more importantly he is a man of immense intelligence and integrity and he has the courage to stand up for what is right for the greater good.

[@maggieswithenbank6709]

Agree! So impressed with him as a historian and a superb writer! Love his books!

[@williegeerie]

Well Said! I too would support Andrew financially for this cause if I could.

[@andrewlownie2033]

@@williegeerie Thanks for all your support.

[@marciaclifford7107]

As an older woman who is sorting through the 'stuff' of her life, I am destroying lots of letters, etc. Not being royal, and only a descendant of family from Britain and other countries in the British Isles, my 'stuff' is stuff. Honestly, if people (my family) thought they had the right to know what I wrote, I wouldn't write anything at all. Personal correspondence is just that, personal. I doubt if the royal family, being human, really wants all their wash hung out there, and I don't blame them at all. I imagine that rulers of all kinds have been destroying their memories since cuneiform, and perhaps even paintings on cave walls. I do agree that public records are public records and should be respected and preserved, for better or for worse. But private correspondence is private - IMHO. Or should we all be like Prince Harry? Shudder.

[@andrewlownie2033]

In this case the Mountbatten family openly sold the personal letters and diaries to pay for the roof. The fundraising was done on the basis they would be open to the public.

[@lisalivingston6473]

@@andrewlownie2033 That's so interesting...sounds like the Mountbatten family never considered an author of your caliber showing any interest in those personal letters and diaries. Wow!

[@reneej7594]

Very interesting conversation!! I read Traitor King and learned quite bit. This man is invaluable in seeing history verified and recorded both today and tomorrow. Can’t wait to see him back!!!

[@williegeerie]

Andrew Lownie should be celebrated! He's sacrificed so much to get the truth out. Most of us are so tired of being gaslighted. We know some Royals (if not most) don't have squeaky clean pasts.

[@janscott7565]

Oh wow! I know Andrew's story but he has brought out more detail of how he has been treated, in this interview. I can't help but wonder from where the original order to 'bury' the Mountbatten's archives came from. Sunday night will be a ring side seat for me! Cheers Shauna and Andrew.

[@andrewlownie2033]

I know where the order came from but the libel laws prevent me from saying.

[@barbraluce5706]

​@@andrewlownie2033, we all know who was particularly close to Louis Mountbatten.

[@joricardochard2824]

Fascinating, thank you. This man deserves a knighthood for his work.

[@thevintageread]

We agree!

[@clairetomkyns175]

If he is digging up scandals about Mountbatten, hell will freeze over before that happens. I reckon KC3 has a lot of knowledge because his Uncle Dickie was his mentor and they spent a great deal of time together.

[@northeything8568]

@@clairetomkyns175 Perhaps that's why it is so well hidden ; KC might have been whispering to various people that it would be unwise to look into it because of so much dirt on Mountbatten ?

[@andrewlownie2033]

I would be very careful going anywhere near a Royal wielding a sword.

[@KatherineSpinks-cu9io]

Agree.

[@Polopony]

I'm not sure I understand how anyone could possibly have purchased the Broadlands Archive without already knowing that it would contain references to the RF, given their relationship with Lord Mountbatten....?

[@thevintageread]

Exactly! Wait until you hear Part 2 on Sunday 🔥

[@ukagingrockchick]

Perhaps that's the whole point.

[@textrue9088]

This man's struggles with the archives are amazing and are very common. Open records are a constant battle and too many people do not fight for them tooth and tong like they should. I have been in a struggle like that in my town years ago. We never got all we wanted, but our objectives were ultimately achieved. Wow! The UK is in the same moribund condition as the USA. Honor and commitment to good governance are essentially gone. Democracies are failing because too many citizens are lazy and only vote for personally beneficial candidates who buy them off with taxpayer funds whether the nation can afford it or not. Also allowing unions for government workers. That has resulted in mediocrity and waste because the workers can't be fired.

[@fabulousnewt770]

Fascinating and well done Shauna for allowing Andrew to explain it. You are a natural born interviewer. Infact, a lot of you tubers are interviewing recently and they are all far better than any proffesional. Cant wait for your next chat with Andrew.

[@esterbengoa6077]

My 'Traitor King' book is arriving tomorrow. I am grateful for his hard work on this book and on the 'The Mountbatten'.

[@flyonthewall8122]

I couldn't help but hear lines from "1984" in my head while listening. I've always wondered what George Orwell actually knew when he wrote that book.

[@annmariewraight871]

OUTRAGEOUS! 😮 I absolutely admire your persistence and tenacity Andrew. I'm horrified but not shocked about your treatment as we see this seems to becoming the new norm.😢 SHAUNA - please consider getting blackbeltbarrister on your show TOGETHER with Andrew. It would be very helpful to Andrew and the viewers to talk about this. If BLACKBELT BARRISTER doesn't have time then his Barrister friend Alan Robertshaw - Art of Law - may be willing to come to a round table discussion....actually I bet Alan would be very willing to be a guest♡ So sorry Andrew! You absolutely do not deserve to be messed around on such a ridiculous scale😢 Much love and respect to you both ♡❤ X

[@andrewlownie2033]

Any legal advice and support I can get would be welcomed.

[@annmariewraight871]

​@@andrewlownie2033 Dear Andrew - suggest to Shauna a round table with a barrister, such as the two I mentioned above, or if Shauna is fully booked then SCANDAL MONGERS could do a debate about these shenanigans 😢 It's unbelievable - and worth bringing to light your multiple struggles on a larger forum. Chin up Andrew! I'm sure your book sales will surge - you are a lovely person so fans will support you! ❤ X

[@shicks3543]

Great interview! Please do a live with lost beyond Pluto…a fellow Australian

[@windsong2875]

Lost beyond Pluto is fantastic.

[@helenacuch9010]

Yes she is great

[@mezzamuddle]

Yes! She is so knowledgeable and just lovely.

[@barbaraallen435]

I always enjoy her content .

[@Loobylooto2]

Watching while waiting for my grandson coming out of school-given myself an hour where I’m not going to be distracted or bothered Crack on you two- make my day😂😂😂

[@eimearinez]

I love Andrew’s voice it’s like velvet

[@nelakroyd532]

High end sleuthing there, Shauna! Well done!!

[@user-gb8eu5ry6q]

Morale of the story ..don't ever go against the Monarchy ..or else ..a very intelligent and humble man ..

[@andrewlownie2033]

Unless we are prepared to stand firm against this sort of abuse the barbarians will win.

[@jayharrington7540]

Looking forward to this conversation, thanks for such indepth interviews with such interesting and knowledgeable people.

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for watching!

[@juliecat44]

Shauna, what a fantastic job, you! Great guest and FANTASTIC interview! You're always so well prepared and your viewers are the lucky recipients of your hard work. Mr. Lownie is such an incredible historian/author - exactly what they ALL should be, so dogged in search of the truth no matter what it is. Thank you so much, Shauna! I’m surprised someone hasn’t snatched you up to be a TV presenter, you’re THAT good.

[@donnaalexander1670]

Isn’t it pretty well known that “Uncle Dickie” was a poor Admiral costing many lives. We’ve also had that with American Generals. The war was won, and maybe that’s all the governments would like us to know. Perhaps this stash of letters and documents would have provided the evidence of that leadership.

[@thevintageread]

The next episode delves in Mountbatten! 😊

[@lily_m3538]

That's not all Uncle Dickie was with his inordinate fondness for very young men. Ghastly couple.

[@sandrahollinshead8713]

I think there were some very serious accusations made and hushed up.

[@shirleytodd6900]

History is always written by the victors

[@Babette-cr2zu]

​@@lily_m3538and I think that is a huge factor in why there's so much subterfuge.

[@lisalivingston6473]

I admire Andrew Lownie's passion and tenacity in thoroughly researching the historical content he includes in his books. It must be incredibly frustrating to be hindered by so many roadblocks and having to spend so much of his own money to obtain access to the archived material he requires for his research. I am actually surprised that he does not attract wealthy donors to his cause, especially those who may be critics of the British royal family. However, that could be a double-edged sword if the wealthy donors have their own personal motives for funding Mr. Lownie's research and try to exert their influence on his independent writing. Thank you, Shauna, for another great interview!

[@BrendaHutchinson-tp5zu]

A reaĺy interesting conversation thank you Shauna and Andrew. There are so many skeletons buried deeply especially those of famous persons, particularly those associated with the Royal family.

[@helenacuch9010]

Great interview Shauna Thankyou Andrew Lounie was such an interesting and knowledgeable man. Its so unfair and truly wrong that he had to even have this legal fight. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@moreadsAlot]

Shauna, this was a very informative interview. I’m really looking forward to hearing more from Mr. Lownie. I volunteer as an archivist at my local symphony orchestra. Although the materials I deal with are of a completely different nature, there are sensitive letters and documents in our files. I am appalled at the idea that any document would be destroyed.

[@stephanietaylor8003]

Great interview Shauna! Very interesting yet disturbing. I am a retired information manager and worked with Qld government and had a high opinionof Britain's National Archives and am astounded at the lack of common practices such as digitisation of records and adequate categorisation! I wonder if KCIII had any influence regarding the redaction and destruction of archives relating to his beloved Uncle Dickie?

[@thevintageread]

Well it was happening prior to his reign…There was hope he would lead a new era of transparency.

[@cornelia9778]

I cannot believe the archives are not catalogued. Doesn’t that totally defeat the purpose of preserving archives. How utterly absurd.

[@thevintageread]

I agree!

[@Diovanlestat]

Not Yes Minister, it's No Minister, but historians, archivist, librarians, and investigators etc, can be a very determined lot.

[@kathrynriggs2489]

Maybe just because I have a interest in history, I find this fasinating. Looking forward to the next chat!

[@thevintageread]

The next one is 🙌🔥

[@HelenBlack-sn7ke]

Fabulous interview. I'm surprised they haven't closed his bank account.

[@MarianneOz]

The RF is not above the law. But then, they are. Andrew, Harry, Mountbatten, Edward, all doing nefarious deeds in the dark. This does not bode well for their continued existence. I admire Andrew Lownie for his lone battle and his tenacity in the face of obstruction. I’m enjoying reading about Dickie atm. He is a wonderful historian.

[@sueflynn9886]

Fascinating and rather murky past, I suspect things are no better now though! Xx

[@Sparks_Alive]

I like the Monarchy but have known they make use of ways and means to protect their reputation/ members and to manipulate to improve their PR. Like with Charles and rehabilitating Camilla’s image years ago- to lead to her being accepted in marriage and as Queen. I prefer this kind of democracy over a republic, having a front row seat in Canada to all the carrying on in the United States. This fine fellow has tried so hard and it’s cost him a lot, but he has my complete respect and gratefulness for trying to get to the truth of what we are entitled to see. I am very sorry he has not had more support especially from other professionals. And I wish he had a benefactor. Maybe not enough people know what he has been trying to achieve. I didn’t. Let’s hope some wealthy person finds it important as well. Maybe we need to create a go-fund-me and all of us give just a few dollars and it can add up to help Andrew. He shouldn’t have to bear the cost of this alone.

[@angeleyes1353]

Wow!! What a nightmare he has been through. I'm pleased you have brought this into the light ❤ thank you for speaking out Andrew Lownie 👏

[@thevintageread]

Absolutely!!

[@MrsFezziwig]

Just ordered Andrew’s books The Mountbattens and The Traitor King. Thankfully they were both on Audible. Andrew’s tenacity is to be admired. You have to wonder what else they’ve keeping secret and who makes those decisions. The Butler??

[@itsmesam1967]

Socking and scary to hear how things might be being kept from us. Previously I have always felt that its ok for some file to be held back 'in the interest of public peace', but in todays world of multi- social - media and (in most cases) outrageous conspiracy theories, its time to tell all to end the BS, despite the fall out.

[@patiyer4134]

Very excited! Coffee in Boston with two favorites!

[@thevintageread]

😊🙌

[@Brightangel55]

I've been enjoying The Traitor King and Mr Lownie's use of sources and footnotes on every page is impressive. I had been thinking he must be an admirably pedantic researcher but I just didn't realise the battle he has been fighting to get access to documents. I do understand to a degree the sealing of information but these are quite dated files he's interested in afterall.

[@locket5312]

This was such a great interview. I caught a bit of an interview he was doing a few months back but nowhere near the coverage of this. Can’t believe he’s been treated so badly & lost so much in the process.

[@thevintageread]

Yes I thought past interviews didn’t tell the story properly so I asked for the opportunity.

[@rhyslynjones5817]

Shauna, ❤️ your interview…BRAVO!!! You had the most interesting podcast to date, ( in my opinion). I absolutely adore Andrew, especially his & Phil’s ‘The Scandal Mongers Podcast’. I’ve been following him since I first stumbled onto ‘The Steve Bartlett Podcast.’ There is an absolute sweet, kind & extremely polite nature in his demeanor…and I’m also amused that 99% of the time he wears blue😀😀. What a wardrobe🫣😀. Keep up the fantastic work both of you.

[@thevintageread]

Yay! Thank you!

[@KatherineSpinks-cu9io]

Excellent interview, Shauna. Thanks to both of you. It is sad that the public have to fight, including using our own monies, to obtain information on our own history. The fight can be long, arduous, and possibly dangerous. It takes a brave person to fight for what is right for all of us. Keep on, keepin on Shauna and Andrew.

[@marioncottell7285]

Listening to this interview with my jaw dropping. 😮Fascinating. Thanks to you both. 😊💕

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for listening

[@idgriffin56]

Absolutely fascinating. What a fabulous guest. Thank you Shauna.

[@mezzamuddle]

Wow! That is some insane stuff. I feel awful Andrew and what he's gone through. Obviously, someone doesn't want the truth out there. It's extremely disturbing. Can't wait for part 2. Great interview Shauna

[@HorseShowMama931]

The same FOI challenges exist in the US at various levels of government, even local. One only becomes aware when there’s pushback to requests for information.

[@andrewlownie2033]

It's not great in US but better than UK.

[@HorseShowMama931]

@@andrewlownie2033 you might be surprised.

[@jm162]

Louis and Edwina Mountbatten were a dreadful pair. Just because history makes someone uncomfortable, there's no reason to hide it...

[@thevintageread]

Exactly. Cover ups weaken an institution not strengthen it.

[@jm162]

@@thevintageread Correct. As you'd know from our own Australian politics...let alone how it can condemn us to repeat history...😎

[@lizaltieri]

Andrew Lownie is fascinating. Thanks for a great conversation. I'm a monarchist but since this covering up has become worse, I even wonder if it's coming directly from Charles. He has covered for other problem male mentors before. And why would he ask his son and dau-in-law to name their child after Lord M, knowing what he knows? It's as if he's deliberately defying the facts.

[@GinaSeay-kn7xr]

A lot of assumptions in your comment there. I'd love to know who the 'other problem male mentors' were. As for historical documents, I feel there should be a moratorium on private correspondence and diaries for at least 150 years after the death of the people involved. Public papers should be restricted only where there's a sensitive security issue, but private papers aren't something the public necessarily have a right to know.

[@ErinAbou]

No evidence that Louis is named for Mountbatten-it was already a family name in the royal family. I don’t think that a historian deserves access to sensitive documents or personal records or correspondence when others are still alive who are possibly impacted. Mountbatten’s close family members are still alive.

[@thevintageread]

That is the point, these were public papers and were sold FOR public access by the family and purchased with tax payers money for that purpose. There are plenty of provisions to protect TRULY sensitive documents. The Royal family don’t have to add private documents to the archive, however allowing a Footman to determine what is public and private is ludicrous. It should be done by a trained historian.

[@ErinAbou]

⁠@@thevintagereada trained archivist at least. I do agree with what you’re saying.

[@lizaltieri]

@GinaSeay-kn7xr Bishop Peter Ball, Jimmy Saville. And the usual sensibility towards a research subject is their own lifetime, not the lives of their descendants.

[@Joe-ew5rt]

Very interesting. No offense, but this stinks to the high heavens. By the way, if this man is vexatious, what do they call Prince Harry s legal actions.

[@thevintageread]

Good point!

[@shicks3543]

Highly recommend the show this man did with Andrew Gold

[@gohr13]

In the light of the postoffice scandal. This is also a miscarage of justice. A network of people who work against him, and the state.

[@Maureen-cc3pl]

If Prince Harry was not a Prince it is very likely that he would be declared a vexatious litigant. Different rules for us and them.

[@danielarichards3191]

Oh gosh Shauna. Loved this interview. Please do more like this. Absolutely fascinating. But now my brain is doing cartwheels regarding everything I ever thought of the Royal Family🥹

[@dreamweaverchannel5617]

Excellent, excellent interview, Shauna. You're a very intelligent woman.

[@northeything8568]

That's common knowledge

[@nancianne4]

Fabulous interview!! Please have him back again soon!! As an avid reader and historian myself, I am horrified by Andrew's story. It's incredible to think archivial materials are treated so poorly in --of all places--:the UK!!.. It's appalling!!.,

[@thevintageread]

This Sunday, same time!

[@Lemon_N555]

Andrew received no procedural fairness & whilst his solicitors ostensibly breached no Practice Rules, they definitely breached their ethical & moral duty towards their client, Andrew. If it wasn't for the dismal fact that this whole case was before a 'kangaroo court', I would bring an action against the solicitors for breach of duty of care (as per equitable principles of law). Because the solicitors acted unconscionsbly in allowing their client to proceed to incur costs in a legal action they could have predicted with reasonable certainty would ultimately fail!! If the case wasn't inflammatory- going against the establishment- I'm certain another law firm would take on t appeal (to try recover costs) on a pro bono basis. *** such a shame & real evidence of censorship ***

[@thevintageread]

Thank you for your comment! I will make sure he sees it.

[@Lemon_N555]

Thanks Shauna! May I add, you are a very good interviewer.

[@andrewlownie2033]

@@Lemon_N555 The problem was having started with one law firm I couldn't swop horses half way. They gave me charity rates but still over £300 an hour and my opponents deliberately pushed up my costs with their tactics including deploying a mysterious Ministerial Direction that was then dropped. We had always stressed we were looking for our costs given their 'unreasonable behaviour' but even a High Court action for contempt against Southampton by ICO - first time in history - doesn't seem to have counted. I mistakenly thought that without seeing it through then I wouldn't be awarded costs . I also felt a responsibility to see the action through to ensure he material was made public. I did look into a complaint but short of stealing clients money the Solicitor Regulation Authority will do nothing. I had hoped the original lawyers would do an appeal pro bono but the solicitor said his partners wouldn't allow it and the barrister she couldn't afford it. By then I had been completely cleaned out and had to give up.

[@lisalivingston6473]

@@andrewlownie2033 The injustice you suffered makes me even more determined to support you in purchasing more of your books, Mr. Lownie. Keep up the good fight!

[@helenan7368]

So interesting and fascinating, Shauna! One thinks that in digital age historical files would be cared for and preserved, instead of censored and destroyed. When listening I had the strange and unpleasant feeling that we can never distract ourselves and relax, we have to always be alert, as if we were living in a suspense movie... Looking forward to the next episode with Andrew ❤

[@maggieswithenbank6709]

Feels a little like Orwell’s 1984!

[@helenan7368]

@@maggieswithenbank6709 Indeed it does

[@gix2lee]

What a riveting interview. Thank you so much for this and I can’t wait for part 2. How are you able to land these interviews?? They’re amazing and high quality, network worthy AT LEAST the way it used to be back in the day. No wonder the cut and paste, paid for msm are gunning for KZbinrs. Bravo, Shauna!

[@andrewlownie2033]

I second that. She's a brilliant and engaging interviewer.

[@lizzietheoldbiddy262]

Oh W O W!!! What an eye opening and disturbing interview. History has always neen written by the victors and the victors' leaders were probably flawed. But how often are they exposed as flawed? Fantastic interview with a fascinating guest. Thank you

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for watching and your support!

[@suem7515]

This is mind-boggling. It’s scary that multiple governments over many years and the monarchy can simply go against all their own rules without consequence. I can’t help but be reminded of Jenny Hocking’s (biographer of Gough Whitlam) fight for the correspondence between the Queen and Sir John Kerr. Jenny Hocking eventually won that fight and it showed that Sir John Kerr acted improperly in sacking the Whitlam Government. (There’s an excellent documentary on ABC iview if anyone in Australia is interested). Jenny Hocking was fortunate to be represented pro bono unlike Andrew.

[@thevintageread]

Yes she bravely fought too! Fascinating story…

[@theosbabe7072]

What a fabulous interview! Andrew has an extremely interesting story and you are a great interviewer Shauna. Well done...bravo👏👏👏👏👏

[@thevintageread]

Thanks!

[@monicaboran]

How delightful! Shauna, thank you! I can’t wait for the interview 2

[@Jeanette-sd5dc]

This sounds similar to The Palace Letters led by Jenny Hocking here in Oz.

[@isabheipyu9849]

Tha k you Shauna, excellent, interesting interview w/Andrew Lowrie. It uncovers so many important aspects of FOi and how history can be "sanitised". As tax payers, we dont care about this enough.

[@jackierowland1703]

I do not have the means to help Andrew so I will buy as many of his books as I can. Not at once but as I can fit them in my budget! I found the program very spellbinding

[@flyonthewall8122]

I'm going to do the same. I had no idea of the problems he's had to deal with.

[@lizziesimmi5646]

What a courageous, intelligent gentleman Andrew is. Such an interesting interview. Thank you, really enjoyed it.

[@lovelearning7467]

Andrew Gold would be good at sharing this story. I hope he picks it up and runs with it! Mr Lownie is a hero of our time, fighting for the West’s most important asset: FREEDOM. Such an intrepid researcher. What are they hiding??? The shine is already off the Mountbattens anyway. 🎉🎉🎉

[@andrewlownie2033]

Thanks for your support. Important we all speak out against this censorship.

[@thevintageread]

Andrew Gold has already interviewed Andrew Lownie 😊

[@maggieswithenbank6709]

@thevintageread Yes he did which is why I bought The Traitor King! Thank you for having this fascinating chat with Andrew Lownie-so well done!

[@Peonyrose-sk4bz]

Thank you for this great interview - looking forward to the next one. 👏👏

[@thevintageread]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barbraluce5706]

Such a terrific interview---excellent, thoughtful questions. Had no idea how harassed Andrew Lownie has been...Part Two, oh, my heavens

[@Wildflowers516]

Great interview…. This should all be available , accessible!

[@DavinaWilson58]

Fabulous interview! Hats off! Andrew Lownie has so much incredible information to share, I could listen for hours. My compliments to Shauna, too, for asking such well thought out questions. Greetings from a 🇬🇧 tuning in from Germany. x

[@kymdagnall8344]

This was totally fascinating. How things are being destroyed in order for facts to remain a mystery. There are so many rumours regarding Mountbatten and his wife. These truly a pair to deep dive into Thank you for part one. Looking forward to part two 😊

[@bonniejohnston2570]

Very good! And a bit scary how easy it is for governments to tar and feather someone.

[@user-pm6ic5yo8m]

Really interesting. Well done Shauna you by far the best interviewer in a long time. Pity it wasn’t you that interviewed that dastardly duo, now I would have paid to watch that! All joking apart, well done, excellent job.

[@MarieEllis7]

Thanks for a fascinating talk Shauna. I have just ordered one of Andrew's books to support him 📖 📕

[@thevintageread]

Wonderful!

[@jenwratt9976]

I am simply appalled. Totally draconian. This poor man has a target on his back. History is soooo very important. Fancy the archives not being indexed!! Royal archives sound a nightmare. It's extremely scarey that hustorians are not used to archive important material. 😮😮😮. Incredibly interesting and terrifying at the same time...

[@user-mf3ky1qs3h]

Wow the plot thickens this is fascinating

[@aussieruth-kl1ut]

This kind of censorship is live right now. Julian Assange noted...

[@DebbieHarlow]

Agreed! Censorship is covering up the truth and there'll be no transparency whilst there is a "big brother" deciding on what's relevant or not. It used to be a strange world we're living in, now it's a scary world. He needs to set up a "Go Fund Me" to cover ongoing costs and make history known! Thank you for a brilliant, informative interview 💗

[@partlycloudy3519]

Thats what harry should be deemed as vexatious litigiant

[@jm162]

Love these chats/interviews Shauna - you have a gift! It's also interesting to get out of the H&M dribble and speak about matters of importance!!

[@thevintageread]

I agree!

[@mariabonucchi5606]

Such an interesting interview, I haven’t heard of Andrew but I now want to read his books. Looking forward to the next time you have him on and hopefully I will have read the Mountbatten book by then.

[@thevintageread]

Sunday is Mountbatten so you probably won’t have time! However it will give you interesting context.

[@clairetomkyns175]

I am going to buy Andrew's books just to support his cause. I suggest others do the same.

[@andrewlownie2033]

@@clairetomkyns175 Thanks.

[@ellenoconnor601]

Eye opening interview looking forward to part 2

[@athenab9956]

you are an extraordinary interviewer...BRAVO!!!!