SpyCast - The British Monarchy and Secret Intelligence” with Rory Cormac and Richard Aldrich

This week on SpyCast, Andrew was joined by Richard Aldrich and Rory Cormac, authors of the new book Crown, Cloak, and Dagger: The British Monarchy and Secret Intelligence from Victoria to Elizabeth II. Richard Aldrich, a Professor of International Security at the University of Warwick, and Rory Cormac, a Professor of International Relations at the University of Nottingham, have previously collaborated on royal research for the book The Secret Royals (2021). You thought spies were secretive? Ask Rory and Richard about researching royal spy craft.
In this episode, the trio discussed the many different approaches and ways that British royals utilized intelligence during their reigns. With a special focus on Great Britain’s longest-serving monarchs Victoria and Elizabeth II, this episode of SpyCast will show you a secret side of the crown you’ve never seen before.
And…
While Elizabeth II is the UK’s longest reigning monarch with a tenure of 70 years and 214 days, she is closely beat out for the world title by Louis XIV of France, who ruled for 72 years and 110 days. The Sun King’s reign from 1643 to 1715 saw Robert Hooke’s discovery of the cell using a microscope, Isaac Newton’s publication of the Law of Gravity, and the passage of the Act of Union - a merger that officially established the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Quotes of the Week
 ”What struck me the most was how much access Queen Elizabeth II had, how much she knew … And I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that she probably knew more state secrets than any human being who has ever walked the history of the earth, because she had access to everything for 70 odd years.” - Rory Cormac.
Dive deeper into this episode with additional resources:
thecyberwire.com/podcasts/spy...
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HOST - Dr. Andrew Hammond, Ph.D. is Historian & Curator at the International Spy Museum, home of the world's preeminent collection of intelligence-related artifacts. Previous chapters have included seven years in the RAF, Public Humanities at the 9/11 Museum in NYC, Fellowships here, there, and everywhere, and academia. He is author of the forthcoming book: "Struggles for Freedom": Afghanistan & US Foreign Policy Since 1979. He loves bialys.
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The International Spy Museum (SPY) is an independent nonprofit museum which documents the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. It holds the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display.
To learn more or for tickets: www.spymuseum.org/

[@maxjjackson]

Regarding 'the monarch must be seen to be believed' mindset - that's absolutely the same reason for the many many photos of the King and the Queen Mother in the rubble of the Blitz week in week out.

[@DonnaGisellaTranchel]

Thank You! 💙💙💙💙💙🦩✨✨✨✨

[@davidstewart71]

I would like to comment if I may? In my opinion (which is just a Pedestrian view) some intelligence agencies globally are victims of some types ideological subversion techniques . I believe it’s has bee ongoing and is escalating. To me there seems to real life scenarios of political divisions within the ranks of theses agencies. How do these organizations function unbiased and maintain a balance when they are clearly positioned themselves on one side of the fence?

[@maxjjackson]

Carefully.... Political 'backroom' maneuvering would have been at times an absolute necessity. The multi-decade career-long Whitehall civil servants with 'a remnants of Empire' agenda of a 'bigger picture, longer time frame view against the ever-changing politicians who are glory hounds or legacy building.

[@davidstewart71]

Well put Max. Appreciate your feedback!

[@Johnnycdrums]

How many British agents wormed their way into the U.S. Government?

[@adrianaproudcatholic]

👹 it is not that. They are broke !