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

Summary

Rory Cormac (X) and Richard Aldrich join Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence and the British Monarchy. The links between the royals and espionage prove the Crown to be far more than just a figurehead.  

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Prince William’s internship with British Intelligence
• How Elizabeth II knew perhaps more secrets that anyone else in history
• King Charles' love of intelligence  
• Queen Victoria as Spymaster
• MI5, MI6, and the Diana conspiracies

Reflections

• Secrets within secrets 
• Power and knowledge

And much, much more …

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 

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

• Crown, Cloak, and Dagger: The British Monarchy and Secret Intelligence from Victoria to Elizabeth II, R. Cormac & R. J. Aldrich (Georgetown University Press, 2023) 

*SpyCasts*

• Rise of Devils: The Origins of Modern Terrorism with James Crossland (2024)
• British Defence Attaché, U.S.A. with Rear Admiral Tim Woods (2023)
• St. Ermin’s Hotel, London: The History of a Legendary Spy Site with Stephen Duffy (2023) 
• Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023)

*Beginner Resources*

• UK Royal Family: What does the King do? Jennifer Clarke, BBC (2024) [Short article]
• An Average Day in the Life of Queen Elizabeth II, The Infographics Show, YouTube (2020) [9 min. video]
• Kings and Queens of England & Britain, Ben Johnson, Historic UK (n.d.) [Brief bios of all Monarchs]

DEEPER DIVE

Primary Sources 

• Operation Paget Report (2006)
• CIA Confirms Official Met With LaRouche (1984)
• Anthony Blunt, 75, Dies; Was Soviet Spy in Britain (1983)
• More Cloak Than Dagger – An 18th Century Spy (1965)
• The Queen Delivering her speech to the House of Lords (1838)
• Popay the Spy Political Cartoon (1833) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• Have a sweet tooth? So did many queens. Several delectable desserts have been named by or for British royals. Try these recipes: 
• Victoria Sponge, named for Queen Victoria’s favorite afternoon tea accompaniment
• Charlotte Cake, supposedly named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
• Queen Elizabeth Cake, first published in the 1953 Coronation Cook Book and served at Elizabeth II’s coronation 

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