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The Windsors at War: The King, His Brother, and a Family Divided
The next volume in Alexander Larman's biographical chronicle of the Windsor family, as they go to war with Adolf Hitler―and each other.
At the beginning of 1937, the British monarchy was in a state of turmoil. The previous king, Edward VIII, had abdicated the throne, leaving his unprepared and terrified brother Bertie to become George VI, surrounded by a gaggle of courtiers and politicians who barely thought him up to the job. Meanwhile, as the now-Duke of Windsor awaited the decree that would allow him to marry his mistress Wallis Simpson, he took an increased interest in the expansionist plans of Adolf Hitler. He may even have gone so far as to betray his country in the process. And as double agents and Nazi spies thronged the corridors of Buckingham Palace, the only man the King could trust was his Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. But they faced a formidable, even unbeatable, adversary: his own brother.
The Windsors at War tells the never-before-told story of World War Two in Britain and America with a fresh focus on the royal family, their conflicted relationships, and the events that rocked the international press. How did this squabbling, dysfunctional family manage to put their differences aside and unite to help win the greatest conflict of their lifetimes? Alexander Larman, author of The Crown in Crisis, now chronicles the Windsor family at war with Germany―and each other.
At the beginning of 1937, the British monarchy was in a state of turmoil. The previous king, Edward VIII, had abdicated the throne, leaving his unprepared and terrified brother Bertie to become George VI, surrounded by a gaggle of courtiers and politicians who barely thought him up to the job. Meanwhile, as the now-Duke of Windsor awaited the decree that would allow him to marry his mistress Wallis Simpson, he took an increased interest in the expansionist plans of Adolf Hitler. He may even have gone so far as to betray his country in the process. And as double agents and Nazi spies thronged the corridors of Buckingham Palace, the only man the King could trust was his Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. But they faced a formidable, even unbeatable, adversary: his own brother.
The Windsors at War tells the never-before-told story of World War Two in Britain and America with a fresh focus on the royal family, their conflicted relationships, and the events that rocked the international press. How did this squabbling, dysfunctional family manage to put their differences aside and unite to help win the greatest conflict of their lifetimes? Alexander Larman, author of The Crown in Crisis, now chronicles the Windsor family at war with Germany―and each other.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2023
171 people are currently reading
4924 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Larman
9 books107 followersAlexander Larman is an author, historian and journalist. After reading English at Oxford, from where he graduated with a First, he ghost-wrote and edited various memoirs and biographies, including the late artist and flâneur Sebastian Horsley’s Dandy In The Underworld. His involvement with the book led Horsley to say ‘there is no man in London more capable of genius – or a flop – than Alexander Larman’.
He began his own writing career with Blazing Star (Head of Zeus, 2014), a biography of the 17th century poet and libertine Lord Rochester, and followed this with Restoration (Head of Zeus, 2016) a social history of the year 1666, and Byron’s Women (Head of Zeus, 2016), an ‘anti-biography’ of the poet Lord Byron and the significant women in his life. His next book, The Crown in Crisis (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2020) was a revisionist history of the abdication saga. It was selected by the Times, Daily Mail and Daily Express as one of their best books of the year and led to significant international media coverage of the new revelations about the event.
As a journalist, Larman regularly contributes to titles including The Observer, The Critic, the Daily Telegraph, The Spectator and The Chap, for which he serves as literary editor. He lives in Oxford with his wife and daughter.
He began his own writing career with Blazing Star (Head of Zeus, 2014), a biography of the 17th century poet and libertine Lord Rochester, and followed this with Restoration (Head of Zeus, 2016) a social history of the year 1666, and Byron’s Women (Head of Zeus, 2016), an ‘anti-biography’ of the poet Lord Byron and the significant women in his life. His next book, The Crown in Crisis (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2020) was a revisionist history of the abdication saga. It was selected by the Times, Daily Mail and Daily Express as one of their best books of the year and led to significant international media coverage of the new revelations about the event.
As a journalist, Larman regularly contributes to titles including The Observer, The Critic, the Daily Telegraph, The Spectator and The Chap, for which he serves as literary editor. He lives in Oxford with his wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
November 12, 2023
These days, I try to ignore everything the British Royal Family does, but I will say The Crown got me captivated in Edward VIII's story. For as much as Elizabeth II was famous, I didn't know the steps that got her to the throne. And behind those steps, what forced the family to change their German surname to Windsor. And so on and so forth until back around Plantagenet times, my favorite English era.
A wild, spoiled boy, the Duke of Windsor spent his rule philandering with married women. Wallis wasn't the first. I'm not here to slut shame. That's not the issue here. The issue is ignoring your duties while having the audacity to ask for more.
As this is nonfiction, I don't feel like I need to recap it for you. Know that parts of it interested me very much. Obviously, some of it is dry, as it is, again, nonfiction, but some eras of history are just easier for me to digest. And I'm not here to digest Nazi sympathizers.
A wild, spoiled boy, the Duke of Windsor spent his rule philandering with married women. Wallis wasn't the first. I'm not here to slut shame. That's not the issue here. The issue is ignoring your duties while having the audacity to ask for more.
As this is nonfiction, I don't feel like I need to recap it for you. Know that parts of it interested me very much. Obviously, some of it is dry, as it is, again, nonfiction, but some eras of history are just easier for me to digest. And I'm not here to digest Nazi sympathizers.
March 4, 2023
The Windsors at War is the second book by Alexander Larman that chronicles the relationship between King George VI and his brother, the Duke of Windsor. This time, the story starts in 1937 just as Edward and Wallis are married. But they quickly find that life on the outside is boring. They’re mad that not only are they living in exile, but no one of any consequence will have anything to do with them. They start to gravitate towards Hitler, who knows a pawn when he sees one. Larman seeks to answer the question of whether Edward was truly a Nazi or a “naive dilettante”. Regardless, Edward does come off as a total egotist. At one point, he has the audacity to ask for an additional £5,000 to renovate Government House in Barbados as London is dealing with the Blitz. It’s a true study of contrasts as Bertie was all about duty and country. Edward continues to badger his brother throughout the war to give Wallis the HRH title.
I got a kick that there is a brief comment about Edward’s great-great nephew and how both discovered “a royal title is a life sentence without the possibility of parole”.
Larman writes in a narrative style that keeps this nonfiction moving smoothly. He reminds me of Erik Larson and fans of one will enjoy the other.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
I got a kick that there is a brief comment about Edward’s great-great nephew and how both discovered “a royal title is a life sentence without the possibility of parole”.
Larman writes in a narrative style that keeps this nonfiction moving smoothly. He reminds me of Erik Larson and fans of one will enjoy the other.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
October 27, 2025
3 stars
Somewhat better written, than The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication, but if you have read Traitor King: The Scandalous Exile of the Duke & Duchess of Windsor by Andrew Lownie (like I did), you will find no new big revelations here, just a slightly different focus and take on the research material.
Once again, Alexander Larman offers meticulous research and good political insight, but I found it didn’t quite live up to the critical acclaim suggesting it “reads like a political thriller.” While the history is solid, I found the narrative rather uneven and not nearly as fast-paced as some official reviews implied.
I was hoping to learn some more about George VI and Queen Elizabeth during WWII and while I got it up to a certain point, they received far less attention than the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Roughly two-thirds of the book is still devoted to Edward VIII & Wallis, which makes the story feel lopsided. In some ways, perhaps that mirrors the truth: the whiny, spoilt “glamour” brother drawing undeserved attention at the expense of the monarch who actually bore the burden of wartime leadership.
Compared with Lownie’s Traitor King, which I found both sharper and more compellingly written, Larman’s work feels less ground-breaking. For readers new to this material or curious about the Windsors’ wartime roles, this is a decent, accessible account. But if you’re already familiar with the subject, you may not discover much that’s truly new here.
What is different from Traitor King:
- Larman, of course, acknowledges Edward’s Nazi sympathies and his divisive presence, but his narrative is more about family dynamics (Edward vs. George, the royal household under strain) than about presenting a prosecutorial case.
- His focus is contrast and drama: the feckless, exiled Duke versus the dutiful, reluctant George VI. However, I appreciated that this didn’t mean taking an uncritical stance toward the King and Queen. Their shortcomings, missteps, and failures are pointed out, and critical voices directed at the royal pair are quoted as well.
- His treatment feels more narrative-driven and softer in tone: not quite exonerating Edward, but less insistent on hammering home culpability.
Bottom line: a carefully researched and competent book, but not the page-turning or revelatory study that some of the “official” reviews promised.
Somewhat better written, than The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication, but if you have read Traitor King: The Scandalous Exile of the Duke & Duchess of Windsor by Andrew Lownie (like I did), you will find no new big revelations here, just a slightly different focus and take on the research material.
Once again, Alexander Larman offers meticulous research and good political insight, but I found it didn’t quite live up to the critical acclaim suggesting it “reads like a political thriller.” While the history is solid, I found the narrative rather uneven and not nearly as fast-paced as some official reviews implied.
I was hoping to learn some more about George VI and Queen Elizabeth during WWII and while I got it up to a certain point, they received far less attention than the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Roughly two-thirds of the book is still devoted to Edward VIII & Wallis, which makes the story feel lopsided. In some ways, perhaps that mirrors the truth: the whiny, spoilt “glamour” brother drawing undeserved attention at the expense of the monarch who actually bore the burden of wartime leadership.
Compared with Lownie’s Traitor King, which I found both sharper and more compellingly written, Larman’s work feels less ground-breaking. For readers new to this material or curious about the Windsors’ wartime roles, this is a decent, accessible account. But if you’re already familiar with the subject, you may not discover much that’s truly new here.
What is different from Traitor King:
- Larman, of course, acknowledges Edward’s Nazi sympathies and his divisive presence, but his narrative is more about family dynamics (Edward vs. George, the royal household under strain) than about presenting a prosecutorial case.
- His focus is contrast and drama: the feckless, exiled Duke versus the dutiful, reluctant George VI. However, I appreciated that this didn’t mean taking an uncritical stance toward the King and Queen. Their shortcomings, missteps, and failures are pointed out, and critical voices directed at the royal pair are quoted as well.
- His treatment feels more narrative-driven and softer in tone: not quite exonerating Edward, but less insistent on hammering home culpability.
Bottom line: a carefully researched and competent book, but not the page-turning or revelatory study that some of the “official” reviews promised.
April 19, 2023
The Windsors at War offers a highly readable, carefully researched exploration of the relationship during WWII between George VI and his brother, who ruled as Edward VIII before abdicating in order to marry U.S. divorcee Wallis Simpson. This title follows up on Alexander Larman's previous volume, The Crown in Crisis (I have not yet read this), which examines the lives of the Windsors during Edward VIII's years as the adult Prince of Wales, during his reign, and his ultimate decision to abdicate.
If you've seen The King's Speech, you know some of the backstory (at least the Hollywood version). Edward (called David by his family, but we'll stick with titular names for the sake of simplicity), the oldest of the Windsor sons, had been raised as a king-to-be. He was a dilettante, but he also knew what to expect in terms of his obligations to the nation and empire. He was gregarious and well-prepared to take on the role of King before courtiers, representatives of other governments, and the English people. George (called Bertie by his family, but again, we're sticking with titular names) was quite content as the second son. He was shy, tended to be awkward around people he didn't know, and stuttered, as well as having other nervous tics. For George, the abdication was devastating. He didn't want to be king; he wasn't trained to be king. But he was king—and at a time when war with Germany was becoming increasingly inevitable.
Larman's book reads like a novel—a very precise, historically accurate novel. He's a gifted story-teller always ready with an apt turn of phrase, but he sticks to facts and does little in the way of surmising. I'd expected reading The Windsors at War would be something of a slog—a task I was willing to take on and knew would yield information of a sort I enjoy—but I hadn't anticipated how engaging it would be and the difficulty I would have putting it down to attend to other responsibilities.
I gather that Edward's biographers tend to fall into one of two camps (perhaps I exaggerate just a little here): those who present his life as one ill-chosen conspiracy after another and those determined to exculpate him in the face of such accusations. Larman does neither. He is honest that he finds Edward thoroughly unlikable as an individual, but doesn't press readers to embrace that view. Instead, his depiction of Edward shows him to be rather self-centered, impractical, and unable to grasp the ramifications of his decision to abdicate.
Larman's depiction of George has a certain vagueness to it. He tells us what George did, cites excerpts from George's diaries and correspondence, but George never comes across as a personality in the way Edward does. This may be a result of George being exactly the sort of man he was: one not eager to share intimacies or to step into the limelight, who was utterly rigid in his expectations for himself in his role as war-time king.
If you're interested in WWII history, British history, or even historical scandals, you'll find The Windsors at War and excellent read. I was delighted to receive an electronic review copy of of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; my enthusiastic response to the book is genuine.
If you've seen The King's Speech, you know some of the backstory (at least the Hollywood version). Edward (called David by his family, but we'll stick with titular names for the sake of simplicity), the oldest of the Windsor sons, had been raised as a king-to-be. He was a dilettante, but he also knew what to expect in terms of his obligations to the nation and empire. He was gregarious and well-prepared to take on the role of King before courtiers, representatives of other governments, and the English people. George (called Bertie by his family, but again, we're sticking with titular names) was quite content as the second son. He was shy, tended to be awkward around people he didn't know, and stuttered, as well as having other nervous tics. For George, the abdication was devastating. He didn't want to be king; he wasn't trained to be king. But he was king—and at a time when war with Germany was becoming increasingly inevitable.
Larman's book reads like a novel—a very precise, historically accurate novel. He's a gifted story-teller always ready with an apt turn of phrase, but he sticks to facts and does little in the way of surmising. I'd expected reading The Windsors at War would be something of a slog—a task I was willing to take on and knew would yield information of a sort I enjoy—but I hadn't anticipated how engaging it would be and the difficulty I would have putting it down to attend to other responsibilities.
I gather that Edward's biographers tend to fall into one of two camps (perhaps I exaggerate just a little here): those who present his life as one ill-chosen conspiracy after another and those determined to exculpate him in the face of such accusations. Larman does neither. He is honest that he finds Edward thoroughly unlikable as an individual, but doesn't press readers to embrace that view. Instead, his depiction of Edward shows him to be rather self-centered, impractical, and unable to grasp the ramifications of his decision to abdicate.
Larman's depiction of George has a certain vagueness to it. He tells us what George did, cites excerpts from George's diaries and correspondence, but George never comes across as a personality in the way Edward does. This may be a result of George being exactly the sort of man he was: one not eager to share intimacies or to step into the limelight, who was utterly rigid in his expectations for himself in his role as war-time king.
If you're interested in WWII history, British history, or even historical scandals, you'll find The Windsors at War and excellent read. I was delighted to receive an electronic review copy of of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; my enthusiastic response to the book is genuine.
Read
April 17, 2023If I had any complaint about this book, it would be that there was more of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor than I would have wished, and not enough of the interesting but reclusive George VI and especially his wife, Queen Elizabeth.
I believe this is Larman's second book about these people in the middle of the twentieth century. He seems to have striven to provide a balanced view of Edward "David" Windsor, king for a brief time, until he fell for a twice-divorced American woman who apparently fell in love with the image of herself as queen of England (or at least a princess), both of whom might have been willing to schmooze with Hitler and his gang of pustules in order to get their thrones. He always sounded like a pathetic whiner, finding the few duties of kinging too arduous, and feeling that the world owed him a luxurious living because of his pedigree. A tedious pair, if basically harmless, unlike some of those they sponged off of. I felt sorry for the people of the Bahamas, stuck with that pair of snobbish racists and Nazi sympathizers as governors for five years.
Meanwhile, what we get about the quiet king is intriguing, even if it's difficult to get inside his head to any degree. He was never trained for the job, but he rose to the occasion, bolstered by the smart, charming woman he'd been lucky enough to marry. That he did rise to the occasion appears to have surprised him as well as the world, especially as he got stuck with World War II as his refiner's fire.
He and the queen insisted on remaining in London through the bombing. They visited the bombed villages, eventually earning the respect of that bulldog Winston Churchill. Though the kings of England no longer ruled, only reigned, according to this book George did a bang-up job during a time when he was needed most as an inspiring public figure. One can only wonder what a hash Edward would have made of dealing with bombs and refugees, with or without Wallis and her tiara at his side.
There are A LOT of characters in this book. The author provides a Dramatic Personae right up front, which I found enormously helpful. And we get a glimpse of all the main figures of the time, such as the popular Duke of of Kent, the king's younger brother, and various Parliamentary and governmental figures. We also read about young Princess Elizabeth getting her training in modern queenship as the war finally crashed to its end; this book ends well before she made "the wedding of the century." I wonder if Larman is going to go on with the postwar Windsors and the Cold War era.
This is a stylishly written, well-researched and footnoted work, worthy of a place on the bookshelves of anyone interested in World War II, and the personalities who dominated the news in those days.
I believe this is Larman's second book about these people in the middle of the twentieth century. He seems to have striven to provide a balanced view of Edward "David" Windsor, king for a brief time, until he fell for a twice-divorced American woman who apparently fell in love with the image of herself as queen of England (or at least a princess), both of whom might have been willing to schmooze with Hitler and his gang of pustules in order to get their thrones. He always sounded like a pathetic whiner, finding the few duties of kinging too arduous, and feeling that the world owed him a luxurious living because of his pedigree. A tedious pair, if basically harmless, unlike some of those they sponged off of. I felt sorry for the people of the Bahamas, stuck with that pair of snobbish racists and Nazi sympathizers as governors for five years.
Meanwhile, what we get about the quiet king is intriguing, even if it's difficult to get inside his head to any degree. He was never trained for the job, but he rose to the occasion, bolstered by the smart, charming woman he'd been lucky enough to marry. That he did rise to the occasion appears to have surprised him as well as the world, especially as he got stuck with World War II as his refiner's fire.
He and the queen insisted on remaining in London through the bombing. They visited the bombed villages, eventually earning the respect of that bulldog Winston Churchill. Though the kings of England no longer ruled, only reigned, according to this book George did a bang-up job during a time when he was needed most as an inspiring public figure. One can only wonder what a hash Edward would have made of dealing with bombs and refugees, with or without Wallis and her tiara at his side.
There are A LOT of characters in this book. The author provides a Dramatic Personae right up front, which I found enormously helpful. And we get a glimpse of all the main figures of the time, such as the popular Duke of of Kent, the king's younger brother, and various Parliamentary and governmental figures. We also read about young Princess Elizabeth getting her training in modern queenship as the war finally crashed to its end; this book ends well before she made "the wedding of the century." I wonder if Larman is going to go on with the postwar Windsors and the Cold War era.
This is a stylishly written, well-researched and footnoted work, worthy of a place on the bookshelves of anyone interested in World War II, and the personalities who dominated the news in those days.
January 27, 2023
Exhaustively researched, with a narrative that kept me turning pages, The Windsors at War continues the story begun in The Crown in Crisis about the abdication of King Edward VIII so he marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson. His younger, unprepared, brother became King George VI. But what does a country do with an ex-king? Especially if he is too forthright with his opinions?
This installment continues the story with the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany. The man who used to be king, the Duke of Windsor. was way too cozy with some very iffy Germans, and even met the Fuhrer himself, and he was vehemently against war with Germany. Was he a fascist sympathizer? It wasn’t uncommon, we learn. The new king’s personal secretaries had fascist sympathies. Even FDR’s ambassador to Britain, Joe Kennedy, Sr., thought it was the logical next step from democracy based on Hitler’s turning the Germany economy around.
I have been accused of harshness towards Edward…My only regret is that I have been too generous towards him.
from the Introduction to The Windsors at War by Alexander Larman
Larman displays a well-deserved snarkiness about the Duke of Windsor. As king, he never cared for the officious duties of kingship, but he sure did enjoy the lifestyle. After his abdication, he expected to still get the royal treatment by family and friends. He was insistent that Wallis be given the title of HRH and be received at court. Instead, he was exiled from his homeland and lived in Europe, where he and his wife got chummy with a rich Nazi sympathizer. Hitler envisioned conquering Britain and his spies were grooming the Duke in take over, even plotting an abduction if he tried to leave Europe. The king got the Duke out of the country by making him governor of the Bahamas, where he and Wallis felt isolated, lonely, and resentful. Also, there was all that heat, and black people.
Meanwhile, the new king had to hit the ground running, tasked with the seemingly impossible: protecting England, keeping up morale under the Blitz, convincing isolationist America to get involved, with his self-involved brother constantly making demands. The king and his wife visited the bombed villages, winning the hearts of the people. He even won over Winston Churchill, who had been his brother’s supporter, but now knew that the ‘right man’ was on the throne.
The major players’ story lines are mesmerizing, but the bit players’ lives are just as fascinating. Like the king’s younger brother, the scandalous and well-beloved Duke of of Kent, and the king’s personal secretaries with their fascist leanings. We see the teenaged Princess Elizabeth making her first appearances, her first speech–and Larman ends the book with a teaser of her coming role in the divided family.
It is an account of treachery, and of cynicism. It is a tale of decent people doing thoughtless and inconsiderate, even dangerous things when faced with an intolerable amount of pressure, and of their getting it wrong as often as they succeeded.[…]But it is also a story of heroism and honour, of principles maintained against near-impossible odds.
from Introduction, The Windsors at War by Alexander Larman
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
This installment continues the story with the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany. The man who used to be king, the Duke of Windsor. was way too cozy with some very iffy Germans, and even met the Fuhrer himself, and he was vehemently against war with Germany. Was he a fascist sympathizer? It wasn’t uncommon, we learn. The new king’s personal secretaries had fascist sympathies. Even FDR’s ambassador to Britain, Joe Kennedy, Sr., thought it was the logical next step from democracy based on Hitler’s turning the Germany economy around.
I have been accused of harshness towards Edward…My only regret is that I have been too generous towards him.
from the Introduction to The Windsors at War by Alexander Larman
Larman displays a well-deserved snarkiness about the Duke of Windsor. As king, he never cared for the officious duties of kingship, but he sure did enjoy the lifestyle. After his abdication, he expected to still get the royal treatment by family and friends. He was insistent that Wallis be given the title of HRH and be received at court. Instead, he was exiled from his homeland and lived in Europe, where he and his wife got chummy with a rich Nazi sympathizer. Hitler envisioned conquering Britain and his spies were grooming the Duke in take over, even plotting an abduction if he tried to leave Europe. The king got the Duke out of the country by making him governor of the Bahamas, where he and Wallis felt isolated, lonely, and resentful. Also, there was all that heat, and black people.
Meanwhile, the new king had to hit the ground running, tasked with the seemingly impossible: protecting England, keeping up morale under the Blitz, convincing isolationist America to get involved, with his self-involved brother constantly making demands. The king and his wife visited the bombed villages, winning the hearts of the people. He even won over Winston Churchill, who had been his brother’s supporter, but now knew that the ‘right man’ was on the throne.
The major players’ story lines are mesmerizing, but the bit players’ lives are just as fascinating. Like the king’s younger brother, the scandalous and well-beloved Duke of of Kent, and the king’s personal secretaries with their fascist leanings. We see the teenaged Princess Elizabeth making her first appearances, her first speech–and Larman ends the book with a teaser of her coming role in the divided family.
It is an account of treachery, and of cynicism. It is a tale of decent people doing thoughtless and inconsiderate, even dangerous things when faced with an intolerable amount of pressure, and of their getting it wrong as often as they succeeded.[…]But it is also a story of heroism and honour, of principles maintained against near-impossible odds.
from Introduction, The Windsors at War by Alexander Larman
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
July 16, 2023
THE WINDSORS AT WAR
By Alexander Larman
Alexander Larman writes an outstanding biography of the British Monarchy in this installment covering the time of the Second World War - at war with Germany and also within the family and its vast turmoil.
The writing was fascinating with incredible detail about the family during this tumultuous time. I’m a huge fan. One of the best biographies of the Royal Family
By Alexander Larman
Alexander Larman writes an outstanding biography of the British Monarchy in this installment covering the time of the Second World War - at war with Germany and also within the family and its vast turmoil.
The writing was fascinating with incredible detail about the family during this tumultuous time. I’m a huge fan. One of the best biographies of the Royal Family
April 23, 2023
Well, alrighty then.
This book picks up where the first book leaves off and WHOOSH, what a wild ride. I learned so much [much of it NOT good in regards to the the Duke of Windsor {COULD he have been a bigger whiner? I highly doubt it}, which really shouldn't be a surprise to ANYONE] and with the way the book ends, I am hoping for a book 3. ;-)
If you love history [including British history], are interested in the Monarchy [especially before and during WW2], and want to learn things that have never really been talked about, this book is for you [I highly recommend that you read the author's first book "The Crown in Crisis" before diving into this book]. I highly recommend it.
I was lucky enough to have my audiobook request granted and WOW, what a great narrator. I would have loved this book regardless, but the great narration was just icing on the cake. Sophie Roberts does an amazing job and I can only hope that I find other books to read that she narrates.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alexander Larman, Sophie Roberts - Narrator, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for providing both the book and audiobook ARCS in exchange for an honest review.
This book picks up where the first book leaves off and WHOOSH, what a wild ride. I learned so much [much of it NOT good in regards to the the Duke of Windsor {COULD he have been a bigger whiner? I highly doubt it}, which really shouldn't be a surprise to ANYONE] and with the way the book ends, I am hoping for a book 3. ;-)
If you love history [including British history], are interested in the Monarchy [especially before and during WW2], and want to learn things that have never really been talked about, this book is for you [I highly recommend that you read the author's first book "The Crown in Crisis" before diving into this book]. I highly recommend it.
I was lucky enough to have my audiobook request granted and WOW, what a great narrator. I would have loved this book regardless, but the great narration was just icing on the cake. Sophie Roberts does an amazing job and I can only hope that I find other books to read that she narrates.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alexander Larman, Sophie Roberts - Narrator, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for providing both the book and audiobook ARCS in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The book is a fascinating and well-researched insight into the dysfunctional royal family and world politics during World War II.
I’ll admit my motivation for reading this was Wallis Simpson. When I was much younger and learned that a king abdicated his throne for her, I thought how romantic! Turns out, it was perhaps a less than happily-ever-after ending. Wallis felt contempt for Edward who was never able to convince the royal family to accept her, much less provide her with the title of Her Royal Highness. They began their life together as pariahs in the royal family as well as much of society. While Edward still loved her deeply and remained loyal to her, she held him in disdain. Perhaps it was a match made in heaven as the two certainly deserved each other. They were totally obsessed with only themselves and had no compassion for what England was going through during World War II. Edward constantly squabbled with his brother, the king, over money and royal titles while London and Buckingham Palace were under siege and being bombed.
The book moves into Edward and Wallis’ Nazi sympathies, touches on the Marburg File and describes Hitler’s plots to perhaps reinstate Edward on the throne. The book conveys multiple facets of the story as it details conversations and correspondence between the royals, their staff, friends and politicians, giving more than one side of the story.
In the end, Edward was a despicable man driven by his loss of power and greediness, who most likely betrayed his country. Wallis’ illusions of grandeur were the flames that ignited Edward.
As a complete side note, Edward was fond of gifting Wallis with exquisite one-of-a-kind jewelry. Take a look at her collection:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX4In...
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
The book is a fascinating and well-researched insight into the dysfunctional royal family and world politics during World War II.
I’ll admit my motivation for reading this was Wallis Simpson. When I was much younger and learned that a king abdicated his throne for her, I thought how romantic! Turns out, it was perhaps a less than happily-ever-after ending. Wallis felt contempt for Edward who was never able to convince the royal family to accept her, much less provide her with the title of Her Royal Highness. They began their life together as pariahs in the royal family as well as much of society. While Edward still loved her deeply and remained loyal to her, she held him in disdain. Perhaps it was a match made in heaven as the two certainly deserved each other. They were totally obsessed with only themselves and had no compassion for what England was going through during World War II. Edward constantly squabbled with his brother, the king, over money and royal titles while London and Buckingham Palace were under siege and being bombed.
The book moves into Edward and Wallis’ Nazi sympathies, touches on the Marburg File and describes Hitler’s plots to perhaps reinstate Edward on the throne. The book conveys multiple facets of the story as it details conversations and correspondence between the royals, their staff, friends and politicians, giving more than one side of the story.
In the end, Edward was a despicable man driven by his loss of power and greediness, who most likely betrayed his country. Wallis’ illusions of grandeur were the flames that ignited Edward.
As a complete side note, Edward was fond of gifting Wallis with exquisite one-of-a-kind jewelry. Take a look at her collection:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX4In...
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
May 14, 2024
As with probably many other Americans, I first learned about the concerning viewpoints, actions, and friendships the former king and his wife kept during WWII from the Crown, which lead me to this book.
Somehow the show is able to cast a somewhat softer light on this truly selfish and dangerous couple. Edward is the archetype of a spoilt, selfish, privileged boy who never worked for anything in his life. And his wife was still more devious, grasping, and entitled than him.
I shudder to think what the world might look like today if Edward had never abdicated.
As for the book itself, I wish the author summarized a few more quotes and stories as it could occasionally be hard to follow or feel repetitive.
Somehow the show is able to cast a somewhat softer light on this truly selfish and dangerous couple. Edward is the archetype of a spoilt, selfish, privileged boy who never worked for anything in his life. And his wife was still more devious, grasping, and entitled than him.
I shudder to think what the world might look like today if Edward had never abdicated.
As for the book itself, I wish the author summarized a few more quotes and stories as it could occasionally be hard to follow or feel repetitive.
April 18, 2023
My thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press Audio for this audiobook.
Although we think of the dysfunction of today's royals, there was plenty of dysfunction in the royal family when King Edward abdicated his throne to marry Wallis Simpson, King George was unprepared to serve as king, yet fulfilled his duty. The Duke of Kent had his own colorful past. And all this in the midst of the build up to WWII. Add in the brilliant but bold Churchill, Chamberlain and his lack of strong leadership, and this book was such an interesting insight in to all that went on in the years building up to WWII. It is still hard to imagine that the former King Edward and Wallis Simpson, along with the two Mitford sisters (Diana and Unity) were so blinded by ruthless dictators. Also a bit of Roosevelt and separate visits to the White House by the King & Queen and Winston Churchill. So many interesting stories! A very interesting book if you enjoy insights into history.
{NG audio}
Although we think of the dysfunction of today's royals, there was plenty of dysfunction in the royal family when King Edward abdicated his throne to marry Wallis Simpson, King George was unprepared to serve as king, yet fulfilled his duty. The Duke of Kent had his own colorful past. And all this in the midst of the build up to WWII. Add in the brilliant but bold Churchill, Chamberlain and his lack of strong leadership, and this book was such an interesting insight in to all that went on in the years building up to WWII. It is still hard to imagine that the former King Edward and Wallis Simpson, along with the two Mitford sisters (Diana and Unity) were so blinded by ruthless dictators. Also a bit of Roosevelt and separate visits to the White House by the King & Queen and Winston Churchill. So many interesting stories! A very interesting book if you enjoy insights into history.
{NG audio}
June 7, 2023
Excellent follow-up to The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication, taking a closer look at the strained relationship between the Duke of Windsor and George VI and the rest of the royal family from the aftermath of the abdication through World War II, as well as the former's Nazi contacts.
May 14, 2023
An excellent follow-up to The Crown in Crisis, in which David and Wallis misbehave in ways that threaten Great Britain’s safety during World War II. Abdicating was the best thing he ever did for his country.
November 13, 2022
I found this book to contain a lot of information I had read about before, but it also contained a lot of new--to me--information as well. It was rather depressing to read this book, about a man who had had the world as his oyster, but didn't have the internal fortitude and resolution to do the job he had been groomed for, for decades! He was so wishy-washy, wanting the acclaim of being the Prince of Wales, and then King/Emperor, but frittered away his time and money on selfish whims, and later on, being enamored of various married women, one of whom eventually became his wife, after he had abdicated his throne to be with her. They were a rather sad pair of immature socialites, and drifted aimlessly most of their lives together. Windsor didn't want the work of being King, but he did like the adulation afforded his rank, and missed that forever. All in all, he did the British empire a huge favor by abdicating in favor of his younger brother, who, despite NOT being trained for the job, learned as he went on, and made a great King for his country and empire. That didn't sit well with the former king either!
My thanks to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this ebook for review; all opinions expressed are my own.
My thanks to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this ebook for review; all opinions expressed are my own.
April 7, 2023
Author Alexander Larman of The Crown in Crisis continues where he left off by detailing further events of the dysfunctional yet fascinating Windsor family during horrifying World War II. War destroyed and divided families, often forcing them to take sides.
Upon abdicating, entitled and nervy Edward VIII (David) and Wallis Simpson severed ties before the war so tensions between brothers David and Bertie (King George VI) were high to begin with. The fact that David associated with Goebbels, Göring, Speer and Hitler did not help. David also had the gall to demand money and titles. Much of the book is about David and his wife's lives and expectations and, of course, the wars at home and abroad.
Reluctant King George and vivacious but humble Queen Elizabeth were different in personality and deeds. They visited bombed areas after the Blitz and narrowly avoided being killed themselves. I like that teenager Princess Elizabeth makes appearances, too. Evidently, the right king served his country. My only wish is for more personal focus on King George.
If you are intrigued by WWII history and politics and/or the Windsors, you will be enlightened by The Windsors at War. Before reading it my knowledge was fairly extensive, reading everything possible on the subject, but was glad to learn more here. The author's painstaking research is incredible. He includes never-before published archives and documents. Hardinge's letters in particular interested me, adding personal insight and perspectives. I feel smarter after reading this book. It is impossible not to see parallels with the current royal family.
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this engrossing and informative book.
Upon abdicating, entitled and nervy Edward VIII (David) and Wallis Simpson severed ties before the war so tensions between brothers David and Bertie (King George VI) were high to begin with. The fact that David associated with Goebbels, Göring, Speer and Hitler did not help. David also had the gall to demand money and titles. Much of the book is about David and his wife's lives and expectations and, of course, the wars at home and abroad.
Reluctant King George and vivacious but humble Queen Elizabeth were different in personality and deeds. They visited bombed areas after the Blitz and narrowly avoided being killed themselves. I like that teenager Princess Elizabeth makes appearances, too. Evidently, the right king served his country. My only wish is for more personal focus on King George.
If you are intrigued by WWII history and politics and/or the Windsors, you will be enlightened by The Windsors at War. Before reading it my knowledge was fairly extensive, reading everything possible on the subject, but was glad to learn more here. The author's painstaking research is incredible. He includes never-before published archives and documents. Hardinge's letters in particular interested me, adding personal insight and perspectives. I feel smarter after reading this book. It is impossible not to see parallels with the current royal family.
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this engrossing and informative book.
March 1, 2023
Combining British royal family conflict and World War II history, “The Windsors at War” opens as King Edward VIII has abdicated the throne in order to be with an American woman, leaving his brother Bertie to become King George VI. It was a role Bertie didn’t want and one for which many thought he was ill-suited and unprepared. Not being a big follower of royal family history, I was unaware that the abdication was such a crisis for the new King. The Duke of Windsor (as he became after his abdication) caused no small amount of problems for the new King, as he and his eventual wife continued to lobby officials for more money to support their lifestyle. More problematic was their increasing interest and socializing with Nazis and supporters of the German war effort. At the same time, King George was the leader of a country at war. He sought friendship and counsel from Winston Churchill. The sections concerning the war were compelling, as I am more of a WWII history fan than I am a fan of royal intrigue.
Alexander Larman’s book is an entertaining and educational look into this tumultuous and dangerous time in world history. It sometimes is gossipy when discussing the Duke of Windsor’s exploits as he sought publicity, position and favors from his family despite his separation from them.
Thank you to NetGalley for a digital copy for review.
Alexander Larman’s book is an entertaining and educational look into this tumultuous and dangerous time in world history. It sometimes is gossipy when discussing the Duke of Windsor’s exploits as he sought publicity, position and favors from his family despite his separation from them.
Thank you to NetGalley for a digital copy for review.
August 3, 2025
This is the second book in a trilogy about the Windsors. The first, The Crown in Crisis, followed the events leading up to the Abdication, and this follows the relations between the now-Duke of Windsor and his brother the new King from 1937 and through to the end of the Second World War. The final book in the trilogy is The Power and the Glory and examines what happened after the Duke of Windsor's wartime activities emerged and finishes with Elizabeth II's coronation. I've only read this one of the three, and I'm not sure this told me anything I didn't already know - and the writing can be a bit dry at times. But if you're after an in-depth look at the situation this - and the others in the trilogy - might be a good option for you. I'll be keeping an eye out for them, at a sensible price of course!
March 20, 2025
Larman wrote a previous book The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication and this book continues the story after Edwards's abdication.
Larman uses new research, letters, and other documents that were only recently released to the public. Using these documents, he is looking for the answer as to whether Edward was a traitor to the crown as a heavy German sympathizer and spy.
I enjoyed the first book a bit more, but got more answers on the history of the events here.
Larman uses new research, letters, and other documents that were only recently released to the public. Using these documents, he is looking for the answer as to whether Edward was a traitor to the crown as a heavy German sympathizer and spy.
I enjoyed the first book a bit more, but got more answers on the history of the events here.
November 22, 2024
This was fine. Maybe what I’m really looking for is a bio of the Duke of Windsor.
January 4, 2024
A book dripping with gossip and quotes from social climbers and societal do nothings. At the heart of the story however is a serious history lesson of how a number of the upper class fell for Hitler and the characters who were eventually proved correct.
The story starts with the King nearly being killed by a bomb which landed in BP’s courtyard. Thankfully the windows were open, so no glass shattered. The question of how the Nazi bomber was able to get close enough to BP was because David had been talking to who he thought were friends in Portugal in 1939 (Infante Alfonso a banker who lent his mansion to David), and who in fact were Nazi spies.
The next chapter focuses on David’s marriage to Wallis in southern France. The Church of England refused to send a priest to marry David, so a vicar from Darlington (Jardine) was flown over. Tragically, when he got back to the UK he was kicked out of his Parish because you were not allowed to marry divorced couples, and with no money fell into poor health in 1943. David upon hearing this news shrugged his shoulders. Charles Bedaux, who hosted David’s wedding in France and who had connections to British and Nazi high society would eventually be charged by the FBI for treason. He committed suicide before sentencing. Charles had spent years courting the former King. (Lesson – so often high society outcasts prey on ambitious social climber like Jardin to help them – and are viewed as collateral damage when things go wrong). (Lesson number 2 is people who are suddenly cast out of power, or leave it become vulnerable as they often end up in the wrong circles. No credible person wants to hang out with David Cameron after he loses the referendum – they are too busy speaking to people who matter more. Instead people like Lex Greensill employ DC and the rest, like the former King is history).
In 1938 David was invited by Hitler to Germany where Hitler said Wallis was the “girl of the people” (echo’s the language of Brexiteers). David toured Germany and was very impressed by what he saw and was photographed giving a salute (Queen Elizabeth was also filmed giving a Nazi salute). David felt that his apolitical visit was a success. The German ambassador to Hauge told Hitler he now had a line leading to the Duke of Windsor. Ribbentrop was even ordered the offer to the Windsor’s £50m to resettle in Germany – or to have his boat captured when sailing to England from Portugal.
Throughout 1938, the King was in awe of Chamberlin’s efforts to secure peace with Nazi Germany and described him as a great friend when he died of cancer in 1943. Halifax less so, who said Chamberlin’s strategy of appeasement had not resulted in the UK being any more prepared for war. It did however crystallise in FDR’s mind that the UK was fighting a noble cause against Germany (although FDR wrote as few letter responses to Churchill as he did to the King). Lord Beaverbrook the press baron brought into Churchill’s war cabinet, had his newspaper the Daily Express praise Hitler.
David was eventually sent aboard to look after the Bahamas as Governor, a role he despised for its irrelevance and hot temperature. Churchill who played a key role in the move, grew to dislike David for his arrogant letters to him persuading him to get ambassadorial posts to America and how 61% of the UK still liked the King. David’s desire for an American outpost was shattered by the King and Queens’s successful visit to America in 1939.
Germany was successful in penetrating the clubs of the West end to galvanise support for the Nazis. These were often people like Chips Channon (the American social climber who inherited a lot of money) and housewives. Even the Lord Chamberlin for the Windsor’s and King George had a relationship with Rudolf Hess. It was hushed up to avoid embarrassment. The Duke of Kent as well – who died mysteriously in a plane crash after seeing Rudolph Hess in Scotland to possibly discuss a deal of sorts– was gay and known to have connections to Nazi high command. A common theme is these people often inherited a tonne of money, had little intelligence but were given high ambassadorial like positions due to their background.
1941 and 42 were tough years with little good news. Even the newspapers started criticising Churchill who actually faced a no confidence vote (only 13 MPs voted to oust him) due to perceived mismanagement of the war. The King and Queen despised the newspapers and thought how hypocritical they were to criticise WC. The Queen was appointed Colonel of the Grenadier Guards and said to the officer “the first requisite of a really good officer is to be able to temper justice with mercy”.
The story starts with the King nearly being killed by a bomb which landed in BP’s courtyard. Thankfully the windows were open, so no glass shattered. The question of how the Nazi bomber was able to get close enough to BP was because David had been talking to who he thought were friends in Portugal in 1939 (Infante Alfonso a banker who lent his mansion to David), and who in fact were Nazi spies.
The next chapter focuses on David’s marriage to Wallis in southern France. The Church of England refused to send a priest to marry David, so a vicar from Darlington (Jardine) was flown over. Tragically, when he got back to the UK he was kicked out of his Parish because you were not allowed to marry divorced couples, and with no money fell into poor health in 1943. David upon hearing this news shrugged his shoulders. Charles Bedaux, who hosted David’s wedding in France and who had connections to British and Nazi high society would eventually be charged by the FBI for treason. He committed suicide before sentencing. Charles had spent years courting the former King. (Lesson – so often high society outcasts prey on ambitious social climber like Jardin to help them – and are viewed as collateral damage when things go wrong). (Lesson number 2 is people who are suddenly cast out of power, or leave it become vulnerable as they often end up in the wrong circles. No credible person wants to hang out with David Cameron after he loses the referendum – they are too busy speaking to people who matter more. Instead people like Lex Greensill employ DC and the rest, like the former King is history).
In 1938 David was invited by Hitler to Germany where Hitler said Wallis was the “girl of the people” (echo’s the language of Brexiteers). David toured Germany and was very impressed by what he saw and was photographed giving a salute (Queen Elizabeth was also filmed giving a Nazi salute). David felt that his apolitical visit was a success. The German ambassador to Hauge told Hitler he now had a line leading to the Duke of Windsor. Ribbentrop was even ordered the offer to the Windsor’s £50m to resettle in Germany – or to have his boat captured when sailing to England from Portugal.
Throughout 1938, the King was in awe of Chamberlin’s efforts to secure peace with Nazi Germany and described him as a great friend when he died of cancer in 1943. Halifax less so, who said Chamberlin’s strategy of appeasement had not resulted in the UK being any more prepared for war. It did however crystallise in FDR’s mind that the UK was fighting a noble cause against Germany (although FDR wrote as few letter responses to Churchill as he did to the King). Lord Beaverbrook the press baron brought into Churchill’s war cabinet, had his newspaper the Daily Express praise Hitler.
David was eventually sent aboard to look after the Bahamas as Governor, a role he despised for its irrelevance and hot temperature. Churchill who played a key role in the move, grew to dislike David for his arrogant letters to him persuading him to get ambassadorial posts to America and how 61% of the UK still liked the King. David’s desire for an American outpost was shattered by the King and Queens’s successful visit to America in 1939.
Germany was successful in penetrating the clubs of the West end to galvanise support for the Nazis. These were often people like Chips Channon (the American social climber who inherited a lot of money) and housewives. Even the Lord Chamberlin for the Windsor’s and King George had a relationship with Rudolf Hess. It was hushed up to avoid embarrassment. The Duke of Kent as well – who died mysteriously in a plane crash after seeing Rudolph Hess in Scotland to possibly discuss a deal of sorts– was gay and known to have connections to Nazi high command. A common theme is these people often inherited a tonne of money, had little intelligence but were given high ambassadorial like positions due to their background.
1941 and 42 were tough years with little good news. Even the newspapers started criticising Churchill who actually faced a no confidence vote (only 13 MPs voted to oust him) due to perceived mismanagement of the war. The King and Queen despised the newspapers and thought how hypocritical they were to criticise WC. The Queen was appointed Colonel of the Grenadier Guards and said to the officer “the first requisite of a really good officer is to be able to temper justice with mercy”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
Part of a series of books on the royal family. The result of a great deal of research. Well documented and with plenty of c stations. Much of this story is new to me, despite all of the recent press coverage and several TV shows about the royal family. The dramatic personae listing at the front is absolutely necessary of one is to make sense of the narrative. Very interesting.
January 19, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
I know more about the current Windsors, but I didn't know a lot about Queen Elizabeth's dad and her uncle besides the bare minimum. It was fun and interesting to see how they made it through the war and how they were able to hold the country together. While also dealing with the big messy family issue of her uncle abdicating the throne and dealing with Wallis and the other issues that came with them. It was a little precarious at times, but it helped me understand a little bit more about how the British Monarchy works currently and how they got to this point.
I know more about the current Windsors, but I didn't know a lot about Queen Elizabeth's dad and her uncle besides the bare minimum. It was fun and interesting to see how they made it through the war and how they were able to hold the country together. While also dealing with the big messy family issue of her uncle abdicating the throne and dealing with Wallis and the other issues that came with them. It was a little precarious at times, but it helped me understand a little bit more about how the British Monarchy works currently and how they got to this point.
June 20, 2024
This book blew open my previous understanding of the prince of Wales’ relationships with George VI and Churchill. Appreciated the list of people at the front with their titles and roles as many were new to me. Great read for anyone interested in those crucial years and information about WW2.
April 13, 2023
The Windsors at War picks up just before the abdications with newly accessed documentation regarding The Windsor drama from multiple sources. I love just about anything I can read about the family during this time frame.
The Windsors at War continues the story begun in The Crown in Crisis which I have not had the pleasure of reading as of yet. For those that love reading about the family this is a must read. It is a gripping tale that keeps us turning the pages even though we know how it ended. It reaffirms that was much worse than we have been led to believe about Edward VIII or David as he was known by the family and how perilously close to danger the family and the monarchy were during that time frame.
The story contains the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany and the close ties the Duke of Windsor and Wallis entertained is hopes of attempting to regain the crown through Hitler which are horrifying.
Edward VIII was an entitled, petty, spoiled man who wrongly believed himself loved by all and could do nothing wrong. His love of being the center of attention is astounding. I firmly believe that he basically threatened the family about Wallis and never believed they would call his bluff, he had no choice but to follow through with the abdication all the while believing that he could someday regain the Crown with Wallis at his side. His repeated attempts to strong arm the family to elevate Wallis to a status befitting what he believed she was due were nothing more than a child crying to get their way.
"I have been accused of harshness towards Edward…My only regret is that I have been too generous towards him" from the Introduction to The Windsors at War by Alexander Larman aptly put.
Larman relays a well-deserved description about the Duke of Windsor. It has been well reported that as the king, he never cared for the tedious daily duties required of the monarch, but the adoration, the attention, the wealth fed his ego. After his abdication, he expected to still to be treated in the same manner as a king by family and friends and childishly felt he was being undeservedly mistreated.
King George VI, Albert, was not raised to King, had a terrible stammer which the Duke used to make Albert feel inferior in order to get his way. When the war hit, Albert came into his own and turned out to be the better option as monarch. The King and Queen visited the bombed villages, winning the hearts of the people. Winston Churchill, who had been his brother’s supporter, admitted he felt the ‘right man’ was on the throne.
There is so much research that is now being released which reveals information from other sources from their letters and diaries that give a clearer picture of what has mostly been kept from the public to protect the monarchy at all costs.
In a monarchy it is the first-born heir that inherits the throne, but in this case the first born was not the best suited for the job. And it is a job, not all the glitz and glamor we see, it is hard work, none of which the former king was interested in at all. This unfortunately is what we often see from are known as the "spares", Margaret, Andrew, and sadly even Harry in my opinion. This is not to say that these are not good people but often times there is an inflated sense of self that sets them apart and not always in a good way. The Duke of Windsor's comments about the people in the Bahamas while he was Govenor are despicable and undeserved. There doesn't seem to be any new information about him that makes us feel sorry for him at all. He made his choices and had to live with the consequences and the monarchy is all the better for them.
I am grateful for the permission granted to the authors to write a more complete and accurate writing of history.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
The Windsors at War continues the story begun in The Crown in Crisis which I have not had the pleasure of reading as of yet. For those that love reading about the family this is a must read. It is a gripping tale that keeps us turning the pages even though we know how it ended. It reaffirms that was much worse than we have been led to believe about Edward VIII or David as he was known by the family and how perilously close to danger the family and the monarchy were during that time frame.
The story contains the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany and the close ties the Duke of Windsor and Wallis entertained is hopes of attempting to regain the crown through Hitler which are horrifying.
Edward VIII was an entitled, petty, spoiled man who wrongly believed himself loved by all and could do nothing wrong. His love of being the center of attention is astounding. I firmly believe that he basically threatened the family about Wallis and never believed they would call his bluff, he had no choice but to follow through with the abdication all the while believing that he could someday regain the Crown with Wallis at his side. His repeated attempts to strong arm the family to elevate Wallis to a status befitting what he believed she was due were nothing more than a child crying to get their way.
"I have been accused of harshness towards Edward…My only regret is that I have been too generous towards him" from the Introduction to The Windsors at War by Alexander Larman aptly put.
Larman relays a well-deserved description about the Duke of Windsor. It has been well reported that as the king, he never cared for the tedious daily duties required of the monarch, but the adoration, the attention, the wealth fed his ego. After his abdication, he expected to still to be treated in the same manner as a king by family and friends and childishly felt he was being undeservedly mistreated.
King George VI, Albert, was not raised to King, had a terrible stammer which the Duke used to make Albert feel inferior in order to get his way. When the war hit, Albert came into his own and turned out to be the better option as monarch. The King and Queen visited the bombed villages, winning the hearts of the people. Winston Churchill, who had been his brother’s supporter, admitted he felt the ‘right man’ was on the throne.
There is so much research that is now being released which reveals information from other sources from their letters and diaries that give a clearer picture of what has mostly been kept from the public to protect the monarchy at all costs.
In a monarchy it is the first-born heir that inherits the throne, but in this case the first born was not the best suited for the job. And it is a job, not all the glitz and glamor we see, it is hard work, none of which the former king was interested in at all. This unfortunately is what we often see from are known as the "spares", Margaret, Andrew, and sadly even Harry in my opinion. This is not to say that these are not good people but often times there is an inflated sense of self that sets them apart and not always in a good way. The Duke of Windsor's comments about the people in the Bahamas while he was Govenor are despicable and undeserved. There doesn't seem to be any new information about him that makes us feel sorry for him at all. He made his choices and had to live with the consequences and the monarchy is all the better for them.
I am grateful for the permission granted to the authors to write a more complete and accurate writing of history.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
April 15, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review The Windsors at War. All opinions and comments are my own.
Building on the circumstances and history related and remembered in his earlier work covering the 1936 abdication of Edward VIII (The Crown in Crisis), Alexander Larman’s The Windsors at War (subtitled The King, His Brother and a Family Divided) is a detailed study of the contentious discord taking place immediately and long after, when Edward renounced the throne, left the shores of England and became “merely” the Duke of Windsor. And what a long, strange trip it would come to be.
A knowledge of the times and the people mentioned is somewhat presumed when understanding the contents (and context) of The Windsors at War. This is not a book for someone who does not have a good grounding in the historical period under discussion. Larman does help by including a Dramatis Personae list, putting the main participants into author-designated “sections.” High (and low) society, indeed.
Already we are made to know that this will not be a sympathetic portrait -- Larman calls Edward the “former king and continued irritant.” And the theme is carried on throughout the book. Plenty of other biographies and histories of the time bear this out; Larman uses quotes from these books to great effect. What author Larman has done with access to new research, is emphasize the continued distraction the duke was to the new king and queen, and how they had no choice but to see him as a threat to the monarchy, by virtue of his ties to the wrong people and wrong political ideologies (even eventually to “a sympathy for the nation they were fighting”); and consequently, how close the duke (and his duchess) could be considered traitors to King and Country.
And if this wasn’t bad enough, there remained the ability that the duke had for repeatedly saying and doing the wrong thing (in France, on visits to America and later, as governor in the Bahamas), which Larman relates with relish. The final nail in the duke’s metaphorical coffin remained the constant battering he engaged in to get his wife recognized in the way he thought she deserved, i.e., as HRH. Larman makes it quite clear that this was never, ever going to happen. She had begun as “that woman,” and as “that woman” she would stay, through their marriage and beyond.
Thus, “pettiness and inadequacy of character” dogged Edward throughout the remainder of his life, from his governorship (which he didn’t want and disliked intensely) to constant nagging about his financial woes and the treatment of his wife (which he should have perhaps seen coming, given the tenor of the times. Prescience was never the duke’s strong suit). Larman chronicles it all, laying everything out in clinical fashion. Is there some compassion to be had for the duke and duchess? Probably not, unless one wishes to conjure up sadness for the image of someone knocking on a door that no one will ever feel like opening. Larman makes the case that they are actually lucky that they were not treated more harshly, given their Nazi sympathies (this from documents relating their pro-German sentiments which were found and suppressed after the war). Being born to the purple saved them (well, one of them by birth and the other from association) from that.
And so, life would go on for the Windsors, because nothing would be done for or against them. Alexander Larman has put together a cogent volume of facts and explanations and word pictures of two narcissistic people that found themselves occupying a shaky public persona during the period. It was just not the one that Edward, Duke of Windsor assumed that he and his wife would be taking up after denying himself the throne.
Building on the circumstances and history related and remembered in his earlier work covering the 1936 abdication of Edward VIII (The Crown in Crisis), Alexander Larman’s The Windsors at War (subtitled The King, His Brother and a Family Divided) is a detailed study of the contentious discord taking place immediately and long after, when Edward renounced the throne, left the shores of England and became “merely” the Duke of Windsor. And what a long, strange trip it would come to be.
A knowledge of the times and the people mentioned is somewhat presumed when understanding the contents (and context) of The Windsors at War. This is not a book for someone who does not have a good grounding in the historical period under discussion. Larman does help by including a Dramatis Personae list, putting the main participants into author-designated “sections.” High (and low) society, indeed.
Already we are made to know that this will not be a sympathetic portrait -- Larman calls Edward the “former king and continued irritant.” And the theme is carried on throughout the book. Plenty of other biographies and histories of the time bear this out; Larman uses quotes from these books to great effect. What author Larman has done with access to new research, is emphasize the continued distraction the duke was to the new king and queen, and how they had no choice but to see him as a threat to the monarchy, by virtue of his ties to the wrong people and wrong political ideologies (even eventually to “a sympathy for the nation they were fighting”); and consequently, how close the duke (and his duchess) could be considered traitors to King and Country.
And if this wasn’t bad enough, there remained the ability that the duke had for repeatedly saying and doing the wrong thing (in France, on visits to America and later, as governor in the Bahamas), which Larman relates with relish. The final nail in the duke’s metaphorical coffin remained the constant battering he engaged in to get his wife recognized in the way he thought she deserved, i.e., as HRH. Larman makes it quite clear that this was never, ever going to happen. She had begun as “that woman,” and as “that woman” she would stay, through their marriage and beyond.
Thus, “pettiness and inadequacy of character” dogged Edward throughout the remainder of his life, from his governorship (which he didn’t want and disliked intensely) to constant nagging about his financial woes and the treatment of his wife (which he should have perhaps seen coming, given the tenor of the times. Prescience was never the duke’s strong suit). Larman chronicles it all, laying everything out in clinical fashion. Is there some compassion to be had for the duke and duchess? Probably not, unless one wishes to conjure up sadness for the image of someone knocking on a door that no one will ever feel like opening. Larman makes the case that they are actually lucky that they were not treated more harshly, given their Nazi sympathies (this from documents relating their pro-German sentiments which were found and suppressed after the war). Being born to the purple saved them (well, one of them by birth and the other from association) from that.
And so, life would go on for the Windsors, because nothing would be done for or against them. Alexander Larman has put together a cogent volume of facts and explanations and word pictures of two narcissistic people that found themselves occupying a shaky public persona during the period. It was just not the one that Edward, Duke of Windsor assumed that he and his wife would be taking up after denying himself the throne.
April 5, 2023
The Windsors at War by Alexander Larman is my first book by this author. Apparently this is the second of a series. The first in the series is the The Crown in Crisis about the abdication of King Edward VIII. His younger brother King George VI becomes the new monarch. This is part of the series continues where Mr. Larman apparently left off and continues with the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany. This story is exhaustively and extensively researched.
The Duke of Windsor became a thorn in the Crown’s saddle. He was apparently way too cozy with some Nazi’s and even met the Fuhrer himself. I sensed a tone of dislike from the author toward the Duke of Windsor. For my opinion, it was well deserved. The Duke was a spoiled brat. He didn’t like his ‘duties’ as King but he definitely liked the lifestyle it afforded him. He drove Winston Churchill and his brother King George VI nuts with all his demands. The biggest was that his wife, Wallis (you know the divorced American for whom he left the throne), be given the title of HRH (Her Royal Highness). For a man who turned his back on his Country and his family he certainly thought he was still owed a lot. I sympathized with the King George and others who had to deal with the whining Duke who has way too much too say about what he is entitled to.
The question remains is what is a Country to do with a man who abdicated the throne? As we find out, he was basically exiled from him homeland and lived in various places in Europe. He and his wife got extremely friendly with a very wealthy Nazi sympathizer. Hitler wanted to conquer England and he was going to do it by using the Duke and his wife. Hitler envisioned grooming the Duke to take over England if he succeeded which totally delighted the Duke because he would rein victorious with his new Queen.
Even though he wasn’t groomed to be monarch, the new king hit the ground running. His tasks were nearly impossible. He had to protect England, learn all that was involved in running a monarchy, including the implementation of the future Queen’s education, keeping up his subjects spirits, he needed to convince the USA to get involved in the war all while listening to his whining brother’s demands and requests.
In the introduction to the novel the author states: “I have been accused of harshness towards Edward…My only regret is that I have been too generous towards him.”
I have always been a royal watcher and have been fascinated with the Windsors. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see what Mr. Larman has for us in his next installment.
I would like to thank the author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Duke of Windsor became a thorn in the Crown’s saddle. He was apparently way too cozy with some Nazi’s and even met the Fuhrer himself. I sensed a tone of dislike from the author toward the Duke of Windsor. For my opinion, it was well deserved. The Duke was a spoiled brat. He didn’t like his ‘duties’ as King but he definitely liked the lifestyle it afforded him. He drove Winston Churchill and his brother King George VI nuts with all his demands. The biggest was that his wife, Wallis (you know the divorced American for whom he left the throne), be given the title of HRH (Her Royal Highness). For a man who turned his back on his Country and his family he certainly thought he was still owed a lot. I sympathized with the King George and others who had to deal with the whining Duke who has way too much too say about what he is entitled to.
The question remains is what is a Country to do with a man who abdicated the throne? As we find out, he was basically exiled from him homeland and lived in various places in Europe. He and his wife got extremely friendly with a very wealthy Nazi sympathizer. Hitler wanted to conquer England and he was going to do it by using the Duke and his wife. Hitler envisioned grooming the Duke to take over England if he succeeded which totally delighted the Duke because he would rein victorious with his new Queen.
Even though he wasn’t groomed to be monarch, the new king hit the ground running. His tasks were nearly impossible. He had to protect England, learn all that was involved in running a monarchy, including the implementation of the future Queen’s education, keeping up his subjects spirits, he needed to convince the USA to get involved in the war all while listening to his whining brother’s demands and requests.
In the introduction to the novel the author states: “I have been accused of harshness towards Edward…My only regret is that I have been too generous towards him.”
I have always been a royal watcher and have been fascinated with the Windsors. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see what Mr. Larman has for us in his next installment.
I would like to thank the author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2022
Windsors at War, by Alexander Larman is an exhaustively researched, thoroughly detailed account of the events in Great Britain from 1937 to 1945, a period which includes World War II. The book focuses on the dysfunction of the ruling Windsor family of Great Britain and its effect on wartime politics. At the end of 1936, Edward VIII abdicated his throne because, “I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.” Edward was considered the nominal head of the Church of England, which would not allow him to marry a divorced woman whose former spouse was still alive. The Church, the British government, and the public were all against the marriage. Edward’s younger brother, Prince Albert, assumed the throne following the abdication. Although he had served in the in the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force during World War I, Albert was rather shy and had suffered from a serious stammer since childhood, a malady that caused him extreme embarrassment. Because he was the second son, he never anticipated becoming king and worried about replacing his well-spoken and popular (until the abdication) older brother.
Edward’s abdication was an embarrassment for the crown and he and his wife, the former Wallis Simpson, were not welcome in Great Britain. There were hard feelings all around. Adding to the poor situation was Edward’s interest in Hitler and his expansionist plans. His visits to Germany at a time when the rest of Europe, including his homeland, were contemplating war against Hitler caused a large media sensation. As Edward’s brother, now King George VI, and his counselors tried assiduously to come up with ways to deal with Edward, Edward became more and more bitter at what he considered his unacceptable treatment by his family.
Larman did an astounding amount of research for the book, and it shows in his attention to detail, his explanations of each personage, and the background information given regarding many circumstances. The treatise reads easily but is dense with detail. At over 400 pages, it may not be suitable for the casual reader. I enjoyed it tremendously, but I have a substantial interest in European and American history of this time period.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Alexander Larman for the ARC of this book.
Edward’s abdication was an embarrassment for the crown and he and his wife, the former Wallis Simpson, were not welcome in Great Britain. There were hard feelings all around. Adding to the poor situation was Edward’s interest in Hitler and his expansionist plans. His visits to Germany at a time when the rest of Europe, including his homeland, were contemplating war against Hitler caused a large media sensation. As Edward’s brother, now King George VI, and his counselors tried assiduously to come up with ways to deal with Edward, Edward became more and more bitter at what he considered his unacceptable treatment by his family.
Larman did an astounding amount of research for the book, and it shows in his attention to detail, his explanations of each personage, and the background information given regarding many circumstances. The treatise reads easily but is dense with detail. At over 400 pages, it may not be suitable for the casual reader. I enjoyed it tremendously, but I have a substantial interest in European and American history of this time period.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Alexander Larman for the ARC of this book.
March 12, 2023
This is really more of of a 3.5, but I just can't bring myself to round up to 4.
The Windsors at War is essentially a sequel to Larman's The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication, about the abdication crisis (I assume; I haven't actually read it). Larman picks up with Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson getting married and George VI figuring out how to be king, just as tensions ramp up to World War II.
The big question of the book is, Was Edward VIII a Nazi sympathizer? Larman clearly doesn't like the guy, and his take seems to come down mostly on the "no" side. Selfish, anti-Semitic, snobby--yes. He spends a lot of time whining about being ill-treated because his wife wasn't granted the HRH title and they weren't allowed to live in Great Britain. "Woe is me," is his attitude. "I have to be governor of the Bahamas!" He and Wallis flit to various houses of wealthy friends and acquaintances and whine about their treatment. Larman argues that the issue is twofold: Edward becomes too comfortable when interacting with people like himself and could let down his guard and let out too much information AND his bitterness toward his family could lead him to being vulnerable to being used by his country's enemies. Honestly, some of his comments come across as too open to appeasement at best and hoping for Britain's loss at worst. (Presumably Edward would become a puppet king if Hitler won.)
I learned a lot from this book, but I felt like Larman's focus was a bit all over the place. Between the relationship among the family, the progress of the war, squabbles between various royal staff members, and various other storylines, the book can be a bit hard to follow. (Not to mention the many, many people included in it; Larman includes a character list in the beginning of the book, but it's long enough to be a bit frustrating--still, it's a handy reference guide.)
Larman seems gearing up to write the next chapter in this saga; I don't know if post-war Windsors are something I'm particularly interested in, but I might check out The Crown in Crisis
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
The Windsors at War is essentially a sequel to Larman's The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication, about the abdication crisis (I assume; I haven't actually read it). Larman picks up with Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson getting married and George VI figuring out how to be king, just as tensions ramp up to World War II.
The big question of the book is, Was Edward VIII a Nazi sympathizer? Larman clearly doesn't like the guy, and his take seems to come down mostly on the "no" side. Selfish, anti-Semitic, snobby--yes. He spends a lot of time whining about being ill-treated because his wife wasn't granted the HRH title and they weren't allowed to live in Great Britain. "Woe is me," is his attitude. "I have to be governor of the Bahamas!" He and Wallis flit to various houses of wealthy friends and acquaintances and whine about their treatment. Larman argues that the issue is twofold: Edward becomes too comfortable when interacting with people like himself and could let down his guard and let out too much information AND his bitterness toward his family could lead him to being vulnerable to being used by his country's enemies. Honestly, some of his comments come across as too open to appeasement at best and hoping for Britain's loss at worst. (Presumably Edward would become a puppet king if Hitler won.)
I learned a lot from this book, but I felt like Larman's focus was a bit all over the place. Between the relationship among the family, the progress of the war, squabbles between various royal staff members, and various other storylines, the book can be a bit hard to follow. (Not to mention the many, many people included in it; Larman includes a character list in the beginning of the book, but it's long enough to be a bit frustrating--still, it's a handy reference guide.)
Larman seems gearing up to write the next chapter in this saga; I don't know if post-war Windsors are something I'm particularly interested in, but I might check out The Crown in Crisis
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
April 18, 2023
It was in 1937 that King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry the twice-divorced American, Wallis Simpson. This left his younger brother Bertie, next in line to become king. Bertie was a shy man with a stutter who never dreamed he would be thrust into this role.
But, King George VI, Bertie and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, bravely took on their roles.
Edward demanded money and a proper place to live which became his lament throughout his life. He was given an allowance and a title of the Duke of Windsor. He also demanded that Wallis be called Her Royal Highness which was denied. Later, she was called the Duchess, but I never did learn if she received this title officially or if she simply assumed it.
Edward was a Nazi sympathizer with a friendship with Hitler. This was very distressing for Bertie and all of Britain as they were under threat of war from Germany. In order to appease Edward, he was given the duty of Governor of the Bahamas that would hopefully keep him busy and away from Germany.
We see how Britain is bombed and how Bertie and Elizabeth kept the country cheered up during the war and stayed in London so as not to desert their people. Winston Churchill became Prime Minister at this time and was a great strength for Britain. I have read numerous books about Churchill and admire him immensely. I was surprised to learn that early on, he supported Edward until he saw more of his greediness and arrogance as time went on.
Edward did so much to express his anger and disappointment at literally being ostracized by his family, but they stayed strong against his selfishness.
A big point that comes out in this book is how the lives of Edward and Wallis are so parallel to Harry and Meghan. Incredible!
All in all, this was a great book that gave more information out than I have ever learned before. Quite a terrific job by this author. If you love the history of the English Royal Family, do read this.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
But, King George VI, Bertie and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, bravely took on their roles.
Edward demanded money and a proper place to live which became his lament throughout his life. He was given an allowance and a title of the Duke of Windsor. He also demanded that Wallis be called Her Royal Highness which was denied. Later, she was called the Duchess, but I never did learn if she received this title officially or if she simply assumed it.
Edward was a Nazi sympathizer with a friendship with Hitler. This was very distressing for Bertie and all of Britain as they were under threat of war from Germany. In order to appease Edward, he was given the duty of Governor of the Bahamas that would hopefully keep him busy and away from Germany.
We see how Britain is bombed and how Bertie and Elizabeth kept the country cheered up during the war and stayed in London so as not to desert their people. Winston Churchill became Prime Minister at this time and was a great strength for Britain. I have read numerous books about Churchill and admire him immensely. I was surprised to learn that early on, he supported Edward until he saw more of his greediness and arrogance as time went on.
Edward did so much to express his anger and disappointment at literally being ostracized by his family, but they stayed strong against his selfishness.
A big point that comes out in this book is how the lives of Edward and Wallis are so parallel to Harry and Meghan. Incredible!
All in all, this was a great book that gave more information out than I have ever learned before. Quite a terrific job by this author. If you love the history of the English Royal Family, do read this.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 15, 2023
Following "The Crown in Crisis", Alexander Larman gives us an extremely interesting fact-filled account of King George VI (Bertie) and his brother Edward (David), Duke of Windsor's strained relationship after Edward abdicated the throne and thru the turmoil of WWII.
This book contains never before seen information, much of which comes in the form of personal letters written between the two brothers at this tumultuous time.
What an eye-opener this book has proven to be!! While I had already formed my opinion on the abdication and on David himself from previous books I have read. This one just reinforced my opinion that David was a self-centered, whiney, narcissist whose actions were completely self-serving and dangerous. No wonder King George VI was on pins and needles over his strained relationship with his brother, he never knew what he would do or say next, it was like waiting for a volcano to erupt, not knowing when or how bad it would be.
No matter how often David sang his own praises that the people of England wanted him back as king and that he made a better king than his brother, I believe he had not an ounce of loyalty in him, not to crown or country, certainly not to family, and his only loyalties lie unto himself and his own pleasure and comfort. That he was easily influenced by Hitler and the Nazi party is no real surprise, he mostly comes across as a weak-minded, immature, child-man who could easily be persuaded by sweet talk and glitz!!
All in all this is a non-fiction book filled with facts that reads as easily as a fiction novel. If you like reading about the royal family, WWII and uneasy relationships, this is a book for you. I very much enjoyed both books by this author and recommend you read them both in order, although if you don't this one is filled with enough background detail that you won't be lost.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
This book contains never before seen information, much of which comes in the form of personal letters written between the two brothers at this tumultuous time.
What an eye-opener this book has proven to be!! While I had already formed my opinion on the abdication and on David himself from previous books I have read. This one just reinforced my opinion that David was a self-centered, whiney, narcissist whose actions were completely self-serving and dangerous. No wonder King George VI was on pins and needles over his strained relationship with his brother, he never knew what he would do or say next, it was like waiting for a volcano to erupt, not knowing when or how bad it would be.
No matter how often David sang his own praises that the people of England wanted him back as king and that he made a better king than his brother, I believe he had not an ounce of loyalty in him, not to crown or country, certainly not to family, and his only loyalties lie unto himself and his own pleasure and comfort. That he was easily influenced by Hitler and the Nazi party is no real surprise, he mostly comes across as a weak-minded, immature, child-man who could easily be persuaded by sweet talk and glitz!!
All in all this is a non-fiction book filled with facts that reads as easily as a fiction novel. If you like reading about the royal family, WWII and uneasy relationships, this is a book for you. I very much enjoyed both books by this author and recommend you read them both in order, although if you don't this one is filled with enough background detail that you won't be lost.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
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