Royal Revolutions, a Royal History Geeks podcast

Abdication crisis Q&A

In the final part of our series on the Abdication crisis of 1936, we answer your questions. With Royal History Geeks creator, Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator, James Taylor.

"Why is he so weak?" Part 8 of our series on the Abdication crisis

The reign of King Edward VIII is over.  Now, the newly created Duke of Windsor begins his exile.  And painfully for him, he must wait several long months before he can make Wallis his Duchess.  This episode briefly explores the aftermath of the Abdication crisis.   During this episode, RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor explore:   * The immediate 'logistics' around the Duke's relocation * A glimpse of happiness at the end of the worst year of Queen Mary's life * The controversy around the Windsor's wedding, the date and the lack of Royal attendance * The (questionably legal) decision to deny Wallis the HRH style * The Duke and Duchess's Nazi links and role in the war * The "snub" to the Windsor's at Princess Elizabeth's wedding * The ultimate death of the Duke and later the Duchess

"Impossible to carry" - part 7 of our series on the Abdication crisis

After six weeks of build up, it is finally time to explore the actual Abdication of Edward VIII - the only truly voluntary surrendering of the throne in history. It this episode, RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator, James Taylor explore: * The "last supper" where the Prime Minister tries to convince the King to stay but is denied a bed for the night * The Duke of York and his last-minute preparations for the crown * The Cabinet's rush to prepare the legislation for Abdication * Baldwin's surprisingly spectacular Commons performance and the beginnings of the romantic myth of the crisis * Queen Mary's subtle sign of support for the government * The arrangements for Edward's future including title and income * Edward's master piece of a broadcast to the nation Although Edward has now left the throne, this is not the end of the series.  Next week we shall explore the aftermath.

"A pretty kettle of fish" - part 6 of our Abdication crisis series

In this episode we pause the continuity of the crisis to take a look at how the events of 1936 affected members of the Royal family. Despite it having huge repercussions on their lives, Britain's premier pedigree were not major players in the crisis (apart from the King, of course).  However, this is a ROYAL history podcast so we wanted to take a moment to look at events from the family's vantage point. In this episode, RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor discuss: * Queen Mary, her background and reaction to the crisis * The Duke and Duchess of York's fears as they prepare to assume power * The beginnings of the Duchess of York's (later Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother) feud with Wallis Simpson * The closeness between Edward VIII and Princess Mary, the Princess Royal * The wayward Duke of Kent and how some thought he should be King * The cool relationship between Henry, Duke of Gloucester and his eldest brother This episode also features comments by Elizabeth Basford, author of "Princess Mary: The First Modern Princess."

"The King's Party" - part 5 of our series on the Abdication crisis

When the story of the King's relationship with the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson broke in the British press, Edward VIII believed his abdication was inevitable.  But for a brief "moment" on the 4th and 5th of December, it looked as if a flicker of public support might light a path for his survival.   In the latest episode of "Royal Revolutions", RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor discuss:  * Wallis's tumultuous escape from Britain to France * The motivations of the King's supporters * The media reaction and hints of public support for the King * Why Harry Enfield ruined a teenage Gareth's life back in the 90s * Wallis's latest attempts to break it off with the King * The King's planned broadcast appeal that never aired * Baldwin's fears of the constitutional settlement being overturned * Winston Churchill's outspoken role in the crisis * Concerns about the legality of Wallis's divorce  We are again joined by historian Adrian Phillips who helps us make sense of what the so-called "King's Party" was.