Channel logo

Spying on the Royals

Season 1
Declassified documents bring to light the secret story of the stunning events of 1936, detailing the most controversial espionage operation in British history, targeting King Edward VIII and his feisty American lover Wallis Simpson, both considered major security threats. Edward and Wallis were bugged, wire-tapped, and followed - on the orders of both the British king and the American president.
IMDb 7.320172 episodesX-RayALL
Free trial of PBS Masterpiece or buy

Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - Episode 1
    April 1, 2017
    46min
    TV-PG
    December 1936: King Edward VIII telephoned his brother Bertie to tell him that he could no longer be King if it meant losing the woman he loved, Wallis Simpson. His every word was being scrutinized by intelligence officers. This royal romance can now be seen through a unique new perspective: the eyes of those who spied on Edward VIII, and Wallis Simpson, creating a secret dossier unlike any other.
    Free trial of PBS Masterpiece or buy
  2. S1 E2 - Episode 2
    April 8, 2017
    47min
    TV-PG
    Newly declassified secret files reveal how King George VI himself paid for espionage on his own brother, the former Edward VIII, based on intelligence that Edward was attempting to usurp George VI. And fears of Wallis and Edward’s scheming was so great, that Wallis and Edward were tailed, bugged, and their phone tapped in an operation carried out on the orders of the American president himself.
    Free trial of PBS Masterpiece or buy

Details

More info

Audio languages
EnglishEnglish Dialogue Boost: MediumEnglish Dialogue Boost: High
Subtitles
English [CC]
Directors
Paul ElstonChris Durlacher
Producers
Simon BerthonCherry DorrettAileen McAllisterBernadette RossPaul ElstonStephen Walsh
Cast
Samuel WestLuke HopeRichard Crowest
By clicking play, you agree to our Terms of Use.