WALLIS Vs The Queen! STEEL In A Velvet Glove The ROYALS By Kitty Kelley

Welcome to episode 4 of The Vintage Read Show's Book Review Series The Royals By Kitty Kelley!
In this episode, we discuss Chapter Three and we learn about the abdication of King Edward the 8th. The Commonwealth's message was clear via a poll by the UK Prime Minister...Give up Wallis Simpson or abdicate!
The new Queen stepped into her royal position with steely determination, eager to support her husband Bertie, the new King, and protect the Monarchy from any future scandal!
#theroyals #theroyalfamily #kittykelley #bookreview
A new episode will be uploaded every Saturday at 9.30pm AEST & sometimes premiered so come and join in the live book chat.
See you in the comments,
Shauna x

[@ynys_mon6928]

Shauna. One of the most important things you said this evening was about recognising context…how people felt at the time. Social ‘norms’ don’t stay fixed, and one of the worst trends nowadays is the damning of previous generations for ‘the way they thought’. Today’s generation forget they will in turn be judged by future generations. I get the feeling that the current hypocritical social mores (preaching acceptance whilst simultaneously denting the views of others) won’t be judged kindly. Personally, I try to judge people from previous generations on the basis of, did they act with goodwill towards their contemporaries or not.

[@barbraluce5706]

Bravo! Yes, different times and different moral standards

[@thevintageread]

Yes! Context is everything when reading stories about the past. That is why I hate it when publishers edit books taking out anything that may offend!

[@leandabee]

​@@skybeyondtreesso so true.

[@stephanieblahbiddyblah]

I'm already judging the future generations 🫢🫣

[@chimerat8012]

Absolutely.The past, as has been said before is another country.

[@gabbyb4493]

I am sure the Queen Mother realized that she dodged a bullet in not marrying Edward and instead found true love with Bertie!!

[@B4kerBe4]

I was thinking after he abdicated & showed his true colors, she would've been thankful. Wishful thinking on his part that she was still jealous.

[@kathybutterfield2760]

You should read Lady C's book about her. No sex with Bertie. Ruled the roost!

[@Ceba-pw8hk]

It's been said many times that Hitler referred to the Queen Mother (Queen during the war), as the most dangerous woman in Europe. She was a formidable force and a woman to be admired.

[@elizabethroberts6215]

.…maybe read book, ‘The Queen Mother’, by Lady Colin Campbell. You will learn that she was NOT, in any way, shape, or form, ‘to be admired’ She was a thoroughly nasty individual, who treated people appallingly, including her husband, KGVI, & David, Duke of Windsor. She was also a malignant narcissist………

[@Primrose37823]

Wallace was no 'cutie' by any stretch

[@ErinAbou]

Wallis was rather striking in her earlier years though. She was already into her 40s by the time Edward (David) married her, and she was extremely slender giving her a hardened look.

[@Primrose37823]

@@ErinAbou yes, agree but boy by the time she hit 35 was definitely not

[@SAINTOBVIOUS]

“had the face like the bottom of a leather boot” - duff cooper

[@lizroberts1569]

She didn’t need to be, she was daring and different. Definitely not in a good way.

[@thevintageread]

I think Winston was being ironic! 😂

[@bernadetteverstraete9038]

Hi Shawna I have to tell you this. It was at a luncheon and a young reporter was talking to the queen mum and asked that exact question...why is the Duke of Windsor not allowed back in England???? Thevqyeen mum saud...There can only be one king in the country at a time. That was it.

[@thevintageread]

Sometimes the answers are quite simple!

[@sythompson9331]

I went to a town about an hour from me-they have a very good used book store. I now have a copy of The Royals for 3 US dollars!!!!

[@thevintageread]

Perfect! 😊💕

[@kathyevans2968]

You’re a born storyteller Shauna & what a book club you’re creating including such interesting comments! I find me smiling, having a laugh & agreeing with your logical observations. Love your expressions & focus to us through your glasses too! You got me looking up Prince George who died during WW2. He definitely had movie star qualities!

[@thevintageread]

Yes rather dashing!

[@adambojelian]

So agree Kathy Evans

[@jayembee7067]

My husband’s family had strong German ancestry, and during WWII business rivals went to the public saying “oh you don’t want to support that German baker do you” thereby ruining his business. Sad, especially since he’d gone to jail for baking on Sundays (tuppeny loaves) for the poor during the depression. ❤️from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@TheMagdalenaBB]

I heard that Wallis got blackmailed into marrying Edward. He was just a fling to her. Being a lover to the King gave social cachet. She was actually still in love with Mr. Simpson. Edward threatened suicide when she tried to leave. Edward also had a thing for married women before Wallis. The Nazi sympathy was reason enough that I think Bertie ending up King was the best for everyone. Wallis was a public reason that people could make romantic.

[@lizroberts1569]

Wallis was very keen on Hitler too.

[@thevintageread]

Yes I have a book of their letters and she did try to break it off.

[@janbaldwin1189]

Yes I read all about that as well. She DID NOT want to marry him. Apparently, her husband at the time ( Simpson??) said he would divorce her as she now had no choice but to marry this love stricken, whinging wreck of a man. In a sense, he was "kinda stalking" her and constantly declaring his "undying love" for her. Yuck!!!

[@leandabee]

1st, Skyhooks top shelf 👌 🥰🥰, 2ndly, just fascinating isn't it, and all the interesting comments 😃

[@OzzieJayne]

The govt wanted Ed8 gone, Wallis was an excuse, yes. Dodgy Doctor Lord Dawson of Penn, who murdered George V, tried to force Stanley Baldwin to retire "due to his heart troubles" in an effort for Ed8 to retain the Throne, but Baldwin refused, stating he had no heart troubles. Lord Dawson was in the House of Lords.

[@2000konnie]

Edward, the Nazi sympathizer, was truly despicable. A monument should be erected to honor Wallis for providing the British government a reason to force him to abdicate. In spite of all of the Queen Mum's flaws, overall she did great things like: banishing those two. Also, as you mentioned, she stayed in London during the bombing, which provided comfort and reassurance to the people.

[@fibanocci314]

Wallis was something of a Nazi sympathizer herself, so perhaps we shouldn't be TOO honoring, lol

[@cathycrain248]

Enjoying this review! Thank you. Been thinking about the decision to inform H&M at the same time as the public regarding Cathrine's health...no one has mentioned this, but I think it shows how well Prince William knows his brother. Based on H's actions since, it was the right thing to do. Seems he's experiencing consequences for the first time. Hopefully more decisions like this!

[@lap8329]

If you read Lady C’s biography of the Queen Mother, the reason for artificial insemination was not down to the King, but rather Elizabeth’s distaste for the necessary degree of intimacy required to get the job done. And there was never a suggestion of inadequacy on the King’s part from any of the ladies with whom he had what you might call intensely close relationships. Lady C’s bio of the QM is a very good read, BTW-a brilliant example of how effusive praise can be weaponised to deadly effect.

[@valerieforbes8096]

It’s well worth reading.

[@camsnow2856]

I’ve read it twice. Loved it.

[@djh3239]

I just ordered it a couple of days ago! Lady C is a brilliant and insightful writer.

[@jackiegould1569]

Wow!

[@karenkratzer7036]

Also it is reported that Wallis couldn't have children so I don't believe that Edward had a problem either

[@blandfordforum2030]

The small things often reveal a lot about a personality. In the 1970's, whilst a student in London, I was driving around Trafalgar Square at night and was surprised to see a policeman in front of me urging me to drive through some red traffic lights. All became clear when the front end of a huge Rolls Royce hove into view on my starboard side, followed by the rear portion of said car with the Queen Mother & Princess Margaret on board. They were in full rig with tiaras etc., and an internal light was on inside the car so they could be viewed in their regal progress. I looked up to my right as we jointly drove through the red lights (the copper had a big grin on his face) to see the Queen Mother happily waving at me from about five feet away. See had evidently seen my surprise re the red light. Margaret, who was sat to the right of the QM, leant forward to see what her mother was waving at - and sneered at me...

[@fibanocci314]

Interesting!

[@sc3942]

Great story! Oh Margaret ....

[@edd9032]

Winston Churchill was a very wise man, it is said the late Queen Elizabeth II admired and respected him very much.

[@thevintageread]

I love reading his memoirs, a great mind…

[@rajt7339]

"Winston Churchill was a very wise man" - No doubt. After all he was responsible for the death of three million Indians in India due to famine.

[@binkieinkisham2519]

Check out the scandal mongers winston churchill.

[@kateboulton8789]

A sentiment which was very much reciprocated. Apparently, when she ascended the Throne, Winston cried, and when asked why, his reply was to the effect that he feared he was too old to be able to guide and support his young Queen. He need not have worried. She really valued Churchill, so much so, that she went to his funeral - and what a funeral it was, I remember watching it as a child. It was unprecedented for the Monarch to go to the PM's funeral, and not only that, but she had quietly arrived well before the funeral cortege and was seated before they arrived. Again to do so, was unprecedented.

[@evelynharper6346]

I remember watching Churchills funeral as a child, it was so touching as his coffin was taken down the Thames on a barge and all the cranes on the docks 'bowed' to him. It made me cry at the time, I was only 7 at the time but it is still, to this day, one of the most touching things I have ever seen.

[@RuthDunstan]

Winston Churchill valued the support of The King during the war and was tearful when he died.

[@pamelaiverson5527]

I don’t believe for a moment that the Queen mother wanted to marry Edward. She was in love with an officer in the Guards I think who was a real man around town but her parents wanted her to marry the Duke of York and this particular man was suddenly sent to South Africa. Haven’t time at the moment to reread but will. Edward’s ego wanted to believe that his brother was second choice.

[@djh3239]

Yes I have read that too, she loved another, and wanted to marry him. But the RF had him sent to Canada, (not South Africa I believe?? ) to clear the way for the then Duke of York. Did you see in one of the comments on here regarding the queen mum’s conception by artificial insemination, that it was actually her distaste for intimacy and not Bertie’s inability to perform that was the problem? Maybe she just never fancied him, even if she came to love him …?

[@cyrilmarasigan7108]

So true in history roadshow KZbin channel I even fought a ignorant commentator saying the QM is a power hungry woman when I pointed out that if she is a power hungry woman then why does she said no to her husband's proposal for 2x before saying yes and if she tried to hit up to Edward let's remember that pre-WWI, Royals only married other Royals George V changing that rule allowing aristocratic children marry in the family would flock all the ambitious parents to match their children to royals plus Edward was the IT boy of his time so every ladies has a crush on him but he only got hots on social climbers and married ladies

[@fibanocci314]

That's what it sounded like to me. He's the only source for that "rumor"? A known narcissistic man? Hmm

[@cindybryant1584]

I agree with you. They sent the man that she was interested in away.

[@GM-yn9nc]

Yes, yes, yes, just what we need today a little Shauna with a helping of lady like snark ❤❤❤

[@bernadetteverstraete9038]

Those two girls born mentally handicapped had the issues that came from their mothers side of the family. Their father, the queens mum's brother had been warned to not marry the lady due to family mental issues but he did anyway. The gurkscare pkac3d in a mental home and were looked after well, there was not contact with QEII or Princess Margaret.

[@barbraluce5706]

Prince George was indeed very handsome. I, too, never heard that the King was alcoholic.

[@evelynharper6346]

I don't think he was, but the Queen mother almost certainly was.

[@cgraham2134]

Oh I am loving this book club. Thank you so much. We are on holiday at the moment & I was just eating my breakkie & nodding along listening to you & occasionally pausing to comment to the screen as if you could hear me🤣when suddenly my Husband, who has silently been listening to everything for the last few weeks like the Housekeeper & Fergie books, Snarky Snippets, gossip before bed etc, pipes up with 'well of course the Government could have sent Wallis in as a way to get the King to abdicate as he was so unsuitable. That's how I would get rid of someone that wasn't right for the Country' 🤣🤣 I was speechless. a) I didn't know he had been listening - although now that I think about it he has been encouraging me to 'not mind him' and to listen to you at breakkie and b) I am normally the one with the mad conspiracy theory brain & blimey it's a push to think she was a plant!! But had to tell you as your posts are clearly reaching a bigger audience than perhaps you thought. xx

[@thevintageread]

😂💗 I can imagine you both sitting there! Please tell your husband I appreciate his thoughts on the matter and thanks so much for sharing it in your lovely warm comment. X PS: I don’t think a “plant” as much as a perfect excuse to get rid of him…an opportunity!

[@kymdagnall8344]

The walls do have ears just no mouths to spill the secrets

[@thevintageread]

😂💕👏

[@thesubparty1]

Didn’t Charles have to wait for the QM to die before he could marry Camilla? She never approved? And as much as he loved & adored his granny, Camilla’s engagement ring is kinda an eff you to the Queen Mother - it’s from her personal collection which he inherited most if not all of it. I rather love that as Charles truly adored his grandmother.

[@thevintageread]

Yes the Queen Mother liked her but didn’t think she was suitable due to her past and divorce!

[@lisalivingston6473]

The Queen Mother, the former Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons, seemed like a very formidable and shrewd woman. I often wonder what she would have thought of Meghan Markle and what advice she may have offered to the royal family in dealing with yet another American divorcee's nonsense - LOL!

[@vbachman6742]

Hmmm. Phillip intensely disliked the queen mother, apparently for good reasons.

[@elizabethroberts6215]

@@vbachman6742……can recommend book, ‘The Queen Mother’ by Lady Colin Campbell. It tells of what exactly she was……a thoroughly nasty woman, to many including her husband KGVI, & David, Duke of Windsor. She was also a narcissist………

[@jackiegould1569]

I would have liked to have been a fly on that wall!

[@fibanocci314]

She would have destroyed her. Meghan would never have recovered. Margaret's opinion of This One's Wife would have been interesting as well.

[@lisalivingston6473]

@@fibanocci314 Good point! Princess Margaret would have seen through Meghan Markle in an instant!

[@robb2biago]

Holy Muummma! Prince George and Princess Marina were the most beautiful, glamorous couple of their time. Tall, handsome, stylish, happy, fruitful. I love seeing old photos of them. They remind me of Catherine and William, minus the bisexual bits. And everyone needs a Noel Coward in their life.

[@alanaw27]

My mother, now 101 years old, was a young girl when they married. She said Marina was like a movie star. She wore a particular blue and it became known as Marina Blue. Everyone wanted to copy her and wear that colour. My mum was very proud of her Marina Blue blouse.

[@sue8344]

There are as many pictures of Markle looking with desire at William as there are of her giving Catherine the death stare . There’s definitely something going on there . I think William caught on to it, hence the attention he gave to his scarf in a Christmas video .

[@maureenball6733]

So the withholding of HRH from Wallis PROVES the rules CAN be changed. They can ALWAYS be changed if there isr the will to do it!

[@lap8329]

Withholding the HRH from Wallis was not a change in the rule. The Monarch has always had the power to grant/withhold the HRH. The late QE2 directed the Sussexes to stop using the HRH style, which is tantamount in RF-speak to cancelling it. The duplicitous duo are not necessarily obeying this order, but nonetheless they no longer have no right to the HRH. (Don’t confuse this with the Prince/ss title which is automatic to qualified children-specifically children of the Monarch or children of the son of the Monarch.)

[@Polopony]

@@lap8329 It's slightly more complex than that, in that both HRH and the prince/princess styling rules are governed by the monarch and not, (as is the case with hereditary titles such as Dukedoms, which are legally granted by charter under the Great Seal) by Parliament. The monarch sets the rules for how royal styles are to be used and by whom, under Letters Patent, which are the expression of the monarch's will, endorsed by the government. So, the monarch can personally make and change these rules, as the late Queen did most recently in Letters Patent issued when Prince George was born, with regard to the royals style which he and any future siblings would bear. In the case of H&M, the difficulty really lies not with the capability to do it, therefore, but the optics of singling out individuals for negative treatment. As we are currently seeing, the situation surrounding racism and online bullying is extreme and the RF is a primary focus for a lot of people using them as a vehicle for political and social agendas. Whilst singling out H&M and formally stripping their HRH and prince entitlement could, technically, be done (unlike the Dukedom, which is much trickier legally), it would be a really inflammatory move and is therefore not something that the King would be advised by Parliament (via the Privy Council) to undertake, even if he wanted to. And whilst Parliament does not directly involve itself with matters of royal style, it does have to sign off on any Letters Patent issued - normally a virtual formality, but probably not in this case.

[@cloudybeforerain7134]

@@Polopony Great explanation.

[@sa9861]

No it doesn’t.

[@kathybutterfield2760]

​@@Poloponyoh, thanks. I didn't think prince could be removed as born with it, but you say it can.

[@sailingwhitsundays5672]

The powers that be couldn’t trust Edward & in turn not trust Wallis. Not only would the pair have been a security disaster but I’m not sure the country would not have withstood their lifestyle. imagine cough (queen) Wallis lavishing herself in jewels, clothes, holidays & more, not able to hide the gluttony & power. They demanded a level of power even after abdicating. Edward did the world a favour by abdicating & marrying the American.

[@janodonnell3818]

Harry & EdwardVIII are not parallel. H-as he so emphatically told us-is the Spare. E8 was the heir & actually briefly King.E8 departure much more disruptive.If H&M stopped whining, everyone would forget them entirely.

[@Polopony]

Just for clarity - the two nieces of the Queen Mother, Katherine and Nerissa, were the daughters of the QM's older brother John and his wife Fenella, and it is thought that they inherited a genetic disability from their mother's family, which killed male children in early childhood and resulted in learning impairment in (some of) the female children. Their mother's sister, Harriet, had seven children, of whom three girls also suffered from the same condition as their female cousins and were similarly institutionalised. So, whatever the condition was, it cannot have been linked to the mysterious Bowes-Lyon 'monster', which was earlier and therefore originated from a different genetic source.

[@jackiegould1569]

Wasnt a lot of the *bad genes* down to inbreeding for so many years? There wasnt a large pool for them to choose from.

[@patriciacronin-uz4cg]

Funnily enough the queen mum and Meghan share the same birthday

[@allyanderson6755]

Isn't that fascinating.

[@pinkthistle5713]

One was much loved though, while the other, not so much !

[@minwade5436]

One was much loved & adored, the other reviled & detested imo & allegedly.

[@cornelia9778]

That is interesting. The same astrological sign. It is possible to see similar characteristics.

[@intherain828]

​@@cornelia9778not really as they could have different rising/moon/etc Like there's a person born in the Cancer designation but have 3 Leo placement in the chart that govern high than just being the Cancer rising sign. You know what I mean?

[@artemisjuno]

I have read that the Queen Mother's two nieces were, in fact, visited by members of the family.

[@tinajohnson-bv9yx]

They did lampoon the Queen Mother on Spitting Images. I remember an episode which showed the QMum on the floor behind a sofa. The family were discussing names for a new baby and the QMum puppet raised her hand holding a bottle of gin over the sofa saying 'Call him Gordon'

[@rosemarymurlis-hellings8138]

😂

[@Diovanlestat]

I remember. I hated Spitting image, it was too cruel, untill the put the Queen mother in with her drinking habit. It was done in such an affectionate way it only made her more popular. 😂

[@grazynakawka8585]

"Gordon"! 😅😂😂

[@annrhodes3544]

She is famous for ringing down to her butler’s pantry in Clarence House, saying would one of you old queens bring this old queen a gin and tonic?

[@pamelav4628]

I read the Queen Mother had colon cancer and breast cancer. The cancerous tumors were successfully removed - no colostomy bag.

[@valerieforbes8096]

Lady Cs book about the Queen Mother is very good.

[@jayteedeene5981]

The book Traitor King is a very good read.

[@thevintageread]

Yes! I’ve reviewed it 😊

[@jayteedeene5981]

@@thevintageread OMG! Of course. I bought the book because of your review!

[@kathrynaston6841]

The queen Mother was a real hoot. I think David was looked upon world wide as a real pin-up guy, and members of the Nobility certainly expected him to marry a women of royal blood, or at least a daughter of nothing less than a Duke. He had such status. While most British women would have held him in high regard, they knew they would never be acceptable as a partner. Wallace Simpson was so far beneath the social structure at the time, and for her to be elevated to such heights was just unacceptable for the aristocracy at the time.

[@Polopony]

Yes, I think it is really hard for people nowadays to put themselves into the mindset of the 1920s/30s British aristocracy. It was another world, in which social segregation was far less fluid than it is nowadays.

[@elizabethroberts6215]

……Wallis came from high society in Baltimore. She was very well educated. She wasn’t ‘so far beneath the social structure at the time’. You need to read the book, ‘That Woman’ by Ann SEBBA, to learn facts’ about Wallis…….

[@fibanocci314]

@elizabethroberts6215 I think perhaps you're incorrectly conflating American high society with British high society, when I suspect the sheer fact that she was American would have marked her as low on the social structure in Britain (not to mention the fact her parents were the respective black sheep of their families).

[@bpapso]

Oh Shauna! As an American, the tidbits in Kitty Kelly’s book have got me googling away to find more information about the The Monster/Beast of Glamis and Prince George, The Duke Kent. Now I understand that Queen Elizabeth’s cousin, Prince Michael, the Duke of Kent was his youngest (legitimate) son. Your little book club has become a learning experience for me and I thank you for that.! ❤

[@Anna_Key]

18:33 I agree that at the time they needed a Lion of Britain. Truth be known, they still need that.

[@carolynhague7199]

Shame Queen Mother wasn't around to encounter the ilbw

[@Primrose37823]

Edward VIII apparently spent a lot of time in Western Canada and owned a property there. Saw that on some documentary. I have Canadian relatives who were told stories

[@anneballantyne3766]

Yes, he owned a ranch in Alberta.

[@marywest2896]

with all the ulcers the King suffered, it's hard for me seeing him over drinking alcohol, it is very bad for ulcers.

[@LynxSouth]

Actually, doctors used to recommend whiskey as a treatment for ulcers. Given that it's now known that many stomach ulcers are caused by a type of bacteria, whiskey probably does help keep it in check. I'm thinking that GVI taking fairly regular shots of medicinal whiskey is what Kelley is salaciously misconstruing as alcoholism.

[@partlycloudy3519]

Shauna you have to watch the documentary on Back Stairs Billy . William Talan the head "bitch" in charge at clarrence house the queen mum went to bat for him a couple times but when she fell ill & was dying Billy was tossed out cuz she couldnt protect him anymore . Billy was horrible to staff under him

[@Anna_Key]

19:10 poor little baby being described as a monster. The baby doesn't need that. We're all the same, soft and squishy inside.

[@thevintageread]

💗💗💗

[@pippasmith4813]

On his death bed in 2020's, a father told his son that he had had two sisters but they died at birth. The son, when following up details to apply for Probate, discovered that he did in fact have two sisters but they were still alive. When he turned up to visit his sisters he found they had severe mental and physical disabilities. Ultimately, he spent most of the probate funds on legal fees trying to prevent his sisters from getting any funds from their deceased father. Not everyone tells the truth on their death bed!

[@itsmesam1967]

Its surprising, or not (?) how often/many 'celebrities' had family 'locked away'. Michael Cain discovered after his mothers death he had a brother in a home whom he never knew. What a relief that in todays society its not something which is commonly done, though I dont doubt it still occurs. My own aunt was 'institutionalised' because she was epileptic and possibly autistic and died in her teens. I cant help wonder what if she had been born today.

[@esterbengoa6077]

Now, you can abort them in early pregnancy 😢😢😢

[@itsmesam1967]

@@esterbengoa6077 there is no test available which determines autism, epilepsy, or 'retardation' in early pregnancy? My aunts own 'retardation' was caused, it was suggested, by lack of oxygen during birth.

[@kakou2003]

My great aunt, (my grandfather's beloved sister) was committed to a mental institution at 23 for epilepsy and apparently low IQ (although my grandfather never found her to be unintelligent) & died there at age 52. It would not happen today. Such a tragedy for her family especially her little daughter who was only 2.

[@jaydee9124]

Prince Philip's mother was sent to an institution when he was not very old. He woke up one morning and his mother wasn't there and no one talked about it.

[@LynetteMcGrath]

My younger sister was born with cerebral palsy in 1959. It is shocking to me how many people, from doctors and nurses to my own grandmother, told my mum to put her in a home and forget about her and just have another baby. Thankfully she ignored them all, and we had a happy and adventure filled childhood, and my sister (who now lives in an Independant Living facility) recently turned 65.

[@chookie4678]

Heard about the Queen Mother liking her drink.

[@Mortem_inrita_non_potes]

I never heard that The Queen Mother was into the heir. I read that she fell in love with a man whom was sent to Texas in order for her to get over him. This was something that The Queen Mother repeated when Margaret fell for the equerry to the late King.

[@stephaniecole4609]

If the QM is accused of covering up, what about tbe massive cover up of the personal lives of various UK presidents and politicians everywhere? We're only finding out now about the Kennedys etc and what about our own Aussie politicians such as Chifley, Hawke, Gorton, Holt etc? I also understood that the genetic defects came into the Bowes-Lyons via intermarriage, certainly with the Queen's cousins. The British aristocracy is so inter related that it would be inevitable that something like that might occur.

[@oniebaloney]

a perfect end to the week, thanks shauna

[@thevintageread]

You are so welcome!

[@SnowyOwl2000]

With three marriages and no children, I still believe it was Wallis, or Twiglet as I call her, who had the problem when it came to producing offspring.

[@annelikriek6294]

History always repeats itself - it has to because nobody ever listens 😄

[@kateboulton8789]

There are many parallels between Edward VIII and Harry, and none of them favourable qualities! Though i use the word 'qualities' very loosely!

[@lorrainejohnston1460]

Hi Shauna. Yes indeed, Spitting Image did lampoon the Queen Mother as a gin soaked old gal carrying on outrageously! She even had a strong Birmingham accent for some reason, which was obviously in sharp contrast to her own plummy Queen Mum dulcet tones😅

[@LM-ov6bv]

I was always amazed that she reached the age of 101 - but then reading about her daily alcoholic intake, it all made sense. She was pickled!

[@chrissy1062]

I'd forgotten about the Birmingham accent. 😂

[@DCND06]

Just so you know, Glamis is pronounced Glarms. Love your channel Shauna, one of the best on KZbin in my opinion. 😊🇬🇧

[@thevintageread]

Oh thank you!

[@annecampbell9621]

Glamis is pronounced Glams (no r) I visit a lot as live in Dundee just 20 minutes away by car. XXX

[@fibanocci314]

@annecampbell9621 That depends on if you're English or not, I suspect, as with certain accents (including most southern English ones) the 'r' is not pronounced but does inform the pronunciation of the vowel. In non-rhotic accents (possibly including Shauna's), "glarms" would be an appropriate pronunciation guide for the same word rhotic accents like mine would spell phonetically as "glahms" and other accents might denote as "glams."

[@annecampbell9621]

@@fibanocci314 Thanks, yeah just going with the local dialect and Forfar twang. 😀

[@HananAwaad]

To look like a flower in the middle of the ruin ... brilliant :)

[@Anna_Key]

21:23 I've never heard that either. Winston Churchill was allegedly an alcoholic too! But others say he didn't drink much but always had a drink nearby

[@teachersusan3730]

I think most men smoked and drank alcohol at that time. When you watch old films it‘s amazing how everybody smokes and drinks! Even in offices, buses etc.

[@baz7055]

Slender Wallis called The Queen Mother “Cookie”. Formidable life long Enemies.

[@1234cheerful]

@baz7055 So did Edward. See Lady C's book on the Queen Mother--very good as others have mentioned. Lady C writes that there was a story, which she accepts, that the QM was actually born to her parents' cook, sired by her father the Earl after a previous baby had died and the Earl and Countess of Strathmore took the future QM as their own daughter. The story did get out though.

[@Happinc]

🤩Noël Coward!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻England has no wish for a Queen Cutie!! Love it 🥰👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻The Traitor King was sooo revelatory! ❤️🙋🏻‍♀️🐨🦘🦘🦘🇦🇺

[@SarahGreen523]

Regarding King George VI being an alcoholic.... wasn't everyone an alcoholic back then? It seems to me that drinking was very acceptable and very much done and over done in his time. Frankly, I don't believe he was an alcoholic. I don't think you can be a King and be a drunk, unless you are a very high functioning alcoholic. Regarding the genetic issues of the Queen Mum's bloodline, back in that time, when bloodlines meant SO much more than today, the fact that you had a family history of mentally challenged or physically challenged offspring made a big difference, especially when it came to marriage. It would be seen as a pollution of your own bloodline to marry into a family with that trait. So it was hidden and denied.

[@bridgetmclaughlin6198]

I don’t believe George VI was a heavy drinker. George Duke of Kent was Prince George. George VI was known as Prince Albert.

[@jleechadwick]

I've read how King George VI helped keep up the spirits of the American airmen which were racking up a lot of losses, both of planes and human life and his visits to the bases helped a lot (sometimes Princess Elizabeth came along on those visits). My Dad was one of those yanks that came over as part of the 8th Air Force and was stationed in Deenethorpe, England. Sometimes a plane had just come in and they were taking men out of those planes on stretchers (they were either wounded or dead). I think it helped them to keep going out. Dad was 20 years old at that time.

[@clintgreggory2549]

Prince George was a head taller than his brother , little man David, and truly had movie star looks. He also married the most royal and beautiful Princess Marina.

[@suzannebrown945]

Yes Shauna …..The government did push Edward out…..

[@elizabethroberts6215]

.…also helping were the A of C, Cosmo Lang, & QEtQM……………who hated David (KEVIII) who spurned her when they were younger………he was to be the next King, so she bee-lined for him, but he wasn’t interested in her………then she focused on Bertie, as she DESPERATELY wanted to be the Queen…………

[@Primrose37823]

Have never heard George VI was an alcoholic. Big smoker but I think it would be known if he was a huge drinker and he was always on duty and a good husband and father

[@janettesinclair6279]

I think the George referred to (who died in a plane crash) was a brother. George VI adopted the name George as his "kingly" name. His given name was Albert I think. Known as Bertie. I may be wrong.

[@Primrose37823]

@@janettesinclair6279 I wasn't referring to him. It was Prince William who died in the plant crash. Duke of Kent. I was referring to the Queen's father who I know was Bertie

[@janettesinclair6279]

@@Primrose37823 Agree, King George VI (Bertie) was not an alcoholic although a heavy smoker (as many were in those days). Prince George, Duke of Kent died in a military plane crash in Scotland in 1942. Prince William of Gloucester died in 1972 also plane crash. So many Georges, it gets confusing!

[@Primrose37823]

@@janettesinclair6279 oh yes... probably right. Have to go back and fact-check

[@caro_Uk]

​@@Primrose37823the Prince William who died in a plane craxh in the 70s was a Gloucester not a Kent.

[@stephenluke2347]

THANK YOU SHAUNA for a very interesting reminder of history.

[@jackimuir7393]

I agree - fascinating chapter!! Also agree in not repeating tge claims aback George VI being an alcoholic or the Queen Mother having a colostomy bag as neither have any confirmation - the Royal Family have enough published and confirmed foibles without more rumours... Looking forward to the next chapter!! Enjoy your weekend x

[@cornelia9778]

She was one tough cookie. Must be her Scottish blood. Luckily she had the gift of charming those who didn’t know better. I can understand her determination to keep the mentally ill cousins in an institution. She would not have wanted any possible speculation about the heir and spare by the uneducated and all the other prejudiced people.

[@krisy-in-italy]

Thank you Shauna, what a delight to wake up to another Chapter. Now I have to go back and read in full the comment in your previous video! Good thing I’m a pensioner and have time to lull around in bed with my coffee and your good company! 💜😂

[@thevintageread]

Hope you enjoy it! 😊💗

[@grumpycrone5055]

There was a statement made by Lady C in her book about the Queen Mother that potentially it wasn’t because the Queen couldn’t conceive due to a disability of her husband directly, but the fact that she hated having sex with him and wouldn’t permit it after the honeymoon. Apparently his “needs” were addressed elsewhere. No closing her eyes and thinking of England….Who knows if this is true, but Lady C prides herself on her research….

[@lizroberts1569]

I’m sure Lady C does pride herself on her contacts although if it was true I very much doubt it would be common knowledge

[@thevintageread]

Yes, interesting 😊 I am trying to review this book as is…otherwise I would be making endless comparisons 😂 I have read quite a bit of Lady C’s book on the Queen Mum, fascinating.

[@ilmaba1756]

Andrew Lownie also talks about King George frequently "stepping out", with Queen Elizabeth turning the blind eye.

[@grumpycrone5055]

@@thevintageread good point

[@fibanocci314]

Wow! This comments section is endlessly educating! I had always thought they were very deeply in love.

[@ichangedmynameforyoutube]

❤📚🥰. For the algorithm, so more people can enjoy your content as much as the rest of us do.

[@melbournegirl7]

Shauna … perhaps after we have exhausted the Royal books we could read Noel Coward’s Diary. But loving these Royal books. Never thought in the past to read them. I am really enjoying your reads. Thank you for bringing these wonderful stories to us. I am exceedingly surprised how much I am enjoying your presentation of them. Love your channel.

[@user-LordLongHair]

I remember when the QM 1st appeared on SI, prior to it there was a huge ho-ha however it was towards the end of the series that she did appear…… as a lush 🥴

[@fabulousnewt770]

I've just read Lady C's book on the Queen Mother. Its quite an eye opener. It's very enjoyable

[@Donna_Relaxing]

History truely is repeating itself. Once we (the public) saw the outward flirtations toward William from the California grifter.... we all could only imagine what the family was seeing behind closed doors and no doubt giving ALL of them a good laugh. I will never forget sitting here in America watching the balcony appearances ...but oh my... the Christmas day when exiting the church.... that was the ultimate flirtation gone wrong LOL LOL>.... i rewound the TV when I saw that as I couldn't imagine how blatant she was being.

[@Donna_Relaxing]

We can only hope and dream that King William V will follow his great Grandmothers hand in how to deal with tradors within the Royal Family.

[@suzannebrown945]

Very interesting today from start to finish…..thank you 💕

[@thevintageread]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kathleenprescot9986]

Thanks Shauna for all your hard work in keeping us all on the edge of our seats. You are such a good story teller and have the ability to just chat away...my late Mum would have described you as having "the gift of the gab" 😅. I love listening to you and so does my husband.

[@thevintageread]

I sure do! 😂

[@christineraymond8372]

I’m 61 & I never liked the Queen mother sorry to speak Ill of the dead

[@bjbrown]

I don't like her either. She always had that grin and an air about herself that she was superior. This reminds me of someone else. Queen Elizabeth II never appeared that way and I have always loved her for her humanity and her down to earth love of horses, dogs and her gardens.

[@KAJAMAJA122]

I’m old enough to remember Phillip having huge problems with her - she resented Phillip as he opposed her attempts to dictate to the newly crowned Lizzie how to run the household and country . Things got quite heated between them apparently and she bowed out eventually , moved away and that gave Phillip the control he needed to modernise the monarchy and household . She was reported to be a bit of a snob , spendthrift and tartar and actively tied young Charlie to her feminine apron strings which further inflamed Phillip who complained Charlie was becoming a whimp because of it . Hence the introduction of Mountbatten to ‘toughen ‘Charlie to a more masculine outlook .

[@elizabethroberts6215]

……totally agree all here, have never liked her, thought she wasn’t genuine at all. Having read the superb book, ‘The Queen Mother’, by Lady Colin Campbell, about her, it proved my instincts’ correct. She’s was a horrid narcissist. She wanted KEVIII off the throne bc he spurned her when they were younger.

[@karenkratzer7036]

I never heard that King George VI proposed to someone else. As for the Queen Mother. She didn't want to marry Bertie because she didn't want to lose her freedom and be in the royal family. Why would she want to marry the Prince of Wales who would become King. Never heard of this story before.

[@vericarauza5830]

In a documentary I watched, it was said that Wallis was still in love with her husband and wanted to break up with Edward, but he threatened to kill himself if Wallis left him. Wallis was still in love with her ex husband as the letters that were found indicated. The letters were written while she was married to Edward. Also the reason Queen mother never forgave Wallis and Edward was not because she was in love with Edward herself but because she blamed the early death of her beloved Bertie on those two. Especially the stress they put on King George through their constant demands. He died of cancer. It sure reminds me of what King Charles is going through now and the constant stress he's going through because of the Dramaceto duo. History seems to be repeating itself. I am more likely to believe that Queen mother couldn't get pregnant because King George had slow moving sperm than what was in this book. It's only logical since Edward and Wallis couldn't have any children either, that it was genetic.

[@colleenoehme240]

Did Wallis Simpson have any children from her previous marriages? Not sure, but if not then surely the fault lay more with her?

[@1234cheerful]

@@colleenoehme240 No.I did read she had an abortion when she lived in China with her first husband (the abusive alcoholic one), it went wrong and she was unable to have children.

[@fibanocci314]

@colleenoehme240 She told a would-be biographer that she had an abdominal operation in California after visiting her abusive first husband in East Asia that laid her up for two months, which I have heard was the expected recovery time for a hysterectomy at the time. Also interesting to note that it was only a few years after this surgery that she began to sometimes be referred to as "mannish." I've always suspected either an abortion that went wrong and resulted in a partial or complete hysterectomy, or an intentional hysterectomy out of fear of future pregnancies with her then-husband. It would fit with what I know of her character to know that the problem is her and blame it on David anyway just to torment and humiliate him.

[@1234cheerful]

@fibanocci314 ah, thanks for the details. I think I heard just a different version of what you have said, which made the leap from hysterectomy to "undoubtedly abortion gone wrong."

[@annrhodes3544]

@@colleenoehme240 she was said to be born intersex - just like Lady Colin Campbell.

[@kathleenconte3360]

What ever Edward did his father made sure that Edward was told it was not good enough. No encouragement just denigration. Edward did have a girlfriend and was told he could not marry her. After Edward only indulged in married women. Had George his father cut some slack and offered encouragement and acceptance things may have been very different. The Queen mother was quite a nasty woman. History shows a loving woman but the opposite is true. When the late Queen became queen, her mother would not relinquish her clout around the palace. Much to Prince Philips horror. The Queen mum tried to emasculate Prince Philip, who only wanted to be in charge of his own family and honour and serve the Queen. In my mind, the Queen mum was an interfering old busybody.

[@vbachman6742]

Agreed according to most reports.

[@krisy-in-italy]

This has always been my thought too. I blame her for the seemingly forced marriage of Diane and Charles. It was always her way or the highway. The Royal family got a breathe of fresh air when Queen Mother died.

[@marciagoodall8318]

I do remember reading somewhere that she was the only Dowager Queen who insisted on using HRH The Queen Mother as an actual title because she didn’t like being ‘downgraded’ from Queen. She certainly didn’t rein in her lifestyle once she was widowed and Queen Elizabeth had to pay an enormous sum after her death to settle all the overdrafts of around £7 million

[@kathleenconte3360]

@@marciagoodall8318 the mind boggles, if she was in so much debt, did the Queen also fork out inheritance to H and William for her? I know it's reported she left a considerable sum to H as the spare. Not so much to William who will one day become King.

[@marciagoodall8318]

@@kathleenconte3360 it was reported that the Queen Mother left £14 million to William and Harry but not an equal split as she knew William would inherit estates and income when he became Prince of Wales and ultimately King, like you I wonder if the Queen covered this.

[@ellenoconnor601]

To get a better understanding of the Elizabeth- Wallis- Edward relationship I highly recommend Lady C’s book on the Queen Mother it’s a fascinating read. Elizabeth was not at all fond of the nuptial bed hence the artificial insemination. The King had an active sex life with mistresses which was okay with Elizabeth. In the book Before Wallis (which I did see behind you on your shelf) the speculation was that David/Edward the Prince of Wales was sterile due to mumps. He also proposed to a beautiful English girl who was know for her charitable works and the King and Queen vetoed it. After this Edward only dated married women

[@fibanocci314]

Based on what you read, do you think it was a problem with her attraction to her husband, something that would now be considered asexuality, or something else?

[@lindagrace2]

I've heard and read all sorts of things about the Queen Mother but it's the few comments my mother made about her that have stuck with me: mom was the only child in a family of staunch French Republicans during the war and she said the fact that the King and Queen of England and their daughters stayed in London to bear the onslaught with their people gave even the French Republicans courage. She never forgot it and although she was always on the far left politically, she never lost her respect for the King but especially for the Queen who could easily have taken refuge in Canada with her daughter but no, she refused to leave the King's side and announced that the Princesses refused to leave their parents. Though mom always deplored British fashion, Queen Elizabeth always got a pass on account of their courage and faithfulness during the war.

[@ameliaejordan]

Enjoying rereading! Love your show!

[@juliannek3134]

Hi 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

[@adelaideleslie4200]

If the QMum was an alcoholic with a colostomy bag, she wouldn't have lasted as long as she did. Private Eye (a satirical magazine in Britain) in a recent comment described her as extravagant and jealous of her own daughter for displacing her as Queen. She was also rather imperious according to them. She was opposed to Elizabeth marrying Philip but Elizabeth refused to give up.

[@Superdesertangel8]

Hi Shauna, I adore your channel. This is off-topic and I hope you see my comment. Lady C has been interviewed by several other KZbinrs about her updated Harry & Meghan book. In comments on her channel, people are asking her to contact you for an interview too. But it doesn’t work like that, does it? You'd have to invite her. I sincerely hope you'll consider it because your intetview with her would be amazing! From the UK Edited for spelling! 🙈

[@kimberlimesser5828]

Interesting.Thank you,Shauna.

[@padiecake]

I so enjoy your podcasts. Look forward to them all🤗👏🏻

[@thevintageread]

Yay, thank you!

[@chrispedersen6999]

Great reading Shauna 🤗 very entertaining. If they can perform artificial insemination for the breeding lines of horses it should be worth a try when a heir is required. 👍

[@janemarlow]

I do agree with you I also I have noticed old meghan looking at prince William with lusting eyes 😂😂❤

[@andywood5699]

Kitty Kelly was always a great read.

[@Maureen-cc3pl]

According to Lady C the Queen Mother did not like sex so had a marriage Blanche (a sexless marriage). She gave Bertie permission to have a mistress/s. This made artificial insemination necessary in order to produce an heir. Apparently this was not an uncommon practice in aristocratic marriages. It makes you wonder if the gynaecologist ever got the turkey basters mixed up. Wouldn’t that create a stir.

[@Polopony]

!! Except, of course, that the late Queen looked exactly like her paternal grandmother, Queen Mary, and Margaret looked very much more like her father than her mother, so I don't think we need to worry too much.

[@fibanocci314]

They made it work, those aristocrats. Fascinating thing.

[@MitchCann]

Hi Shauna, loving this read & book.

[@karinmccarthyeliz]

I absolutely love your book reviews. Thank you!

[@SharonSeaver]

Hi Shauna 👋 this is such a great book!😊❤

[@thevintageread]

I think so too!

[@Strab0]

the part about the letters patent just confirms that King Charles continues to support his son and will not take away their titles despite everything. i guess currently no one is on the level of the queen mother - petty yes but she was protecting her family

[@lap8329]

You are confusing “Titles” and “Styles”. When the ex-King became a Duke, his wife automatically became a Duchess according to the rules. Neither the King nor Queen could alter that easily then, any more than it can be altered today without incredible difficulty getting parliamentary approval, etc. What the King was able to do was withhold the “Style”, which was “Her Royal Highness”. That was the only power that King had then, and is the only power this King has now. You will recall that the late QEII directed the Sussexes to refrain from using their HRH Styles-that in effect was polite RF-speak for “we are yanking your posh Style, kiddos”. The HRH style has also never been granted to the Sussex children, so they can never be addressed as HRH, or Your Royal Highness.

[@susansmiles2242]

Even though the Monarch can bestow a title via letters patent they cannot remove those titles without an act of parliament

[@ptrpan61]

@strabo. patent letter bit is very interesting. so, this was Queen E's mother. yes? i

[@Ceba-pw8hk]

​@lap8329 the style (yes, it's a style not a title) prince can be removed by the king without consent of parliament.

[@Itshushhush]

​@@ptrpan61Yes.

[@SAINTOBVIOUS]

Wait until you reach the chapter where Queen Elizabeth tells a joke about her sister Margaret and a Rolls Royce 😂😂😂😂. ALWAYS loved this book! (has anyone read kitty kelley’s sinatra book? is it just as juicy?)

[@lizroberts1569]

Didn’t Sinatra sue Kelley because the book was full of lies

[@Adele.N]

I’m so surprised because I thought Churchill was more conservative. I would have thought he would have agreed with Noel Coward.

[@thevintageread]

I think he used to ask questions to get ahead of potential arguments he would have to counter. Winston was always ahead of the game!

[@Adele.N]

@@thevintageread Very interesting. I don’t know if you say this in Australia but in the states we have an old saying “he was a smart cookie” and I would the same for you as well.

[@beverleightodd5710]

The Late King George V had written in his diary that he hoped his son would not reproduce getting in the way of Bertie and Lillibet ascending the thrown. He also commented that within a year of becoming king Edward "would ruin himself". I wonder if he was hinting to his primeminister at the time that it might be an idea to push Edward aside. Someone in the cabinet mentioned to the PM that he wished Edward would break his neck whilst steeplechaseing to which the PM replied "so ro I".

[@sa9861]

According so some reports Baldwin did not want the King to abdicate and did not suspect he would go that far.

[@calicocado]

I dug out my copy to read along ❤