Secret History: The 1946 Plot to Make the Duke of Windsor, King of Germany

In the annals of history, certain events remain shrouded in secrecy, emerging decades later to astonish and captivate. One such intriguing tale revolves around the post-World War II years, where a covert plot occurred to crown the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII of England, as the King of Germany. This article and the embedded video delves into this lesser-known episode of history, unraveling the scheme’s motives, key players, and ultimate fate that never came to fruition.

The Duke of Windsor: A Controversial Figure

Before diving into the plot, understanding the central character, the Duke of Windsor, is essential. Born Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, he ascended the British throne as King Edward VIII in 1936. However, his reign was brief and marked by controversy, as he famously abdicated the throne later the same year to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee.

The abdication led to his younger brother, King George VI, ascending to the throne and Edward’s subsequent exile from Britain. He adopted the title “Duke of Windsor” and spent much of the rest of his life in Europe, far removed from the royal duties he once held.

Post-World War II Europe: A Complex Landscape

The end of World War II in 1945 ushered in a new era in Europe, characterized by shifting political alliances and the division of Germany into occupation zones controlled by the victorious Allied powers. Among these zones was the British-occupied zone, where Edward had served as the King’s Ambassador in Paris during the war.

Edward’s presence in Europe during this tumultuous period made him a figure of intrigue for various parties, including some aspects within the British establishment and external forces.

The Secret Plot Unfolds

The plot to crown the Duke of Windsor as the King of Germany began to take shape in 1946, shrouded in secrecy and known to only a select few. The key players in this scheme included British and American intelligence agencies and individuals within the German aristocracy and political circles.

The motives behind the plot were multifaceted. Some believed that Edward’s German connections (familial ties to the German aristocracy) and his ability to speak fluent German made him a potentially helpful figurehead for the British in the newly occupied Germany. Furthermore, there were concerns about the stability of post-war Europe, and some saw Edward as a stabilizing force that could counter the influence of the Soviet Union.

Edward’s motivations were also at play. He reportedly harbored ambitions of a return to political prominence. He saw the role of the King of Germany as a path to regain influence and prestige.

However, it is crucial to note that the plot was fraught with complications from the outset. Edward’s controversial abdication and his perceived sympathy towards Nazi Germany cast a shadow over the scheme, raising doubts about his suitability for such a role.

The Scheme Unravels

As the plot to make the Duke of Windsor the King of Germany gained momentum, it also encountered increasing resistance and opposition. Within the British government, there were concerns about the potential fallout of such a move, both domestically and internationally. The United States, which had significant influence in post-war Europe, was also wary of the plan and saw it as a potentially destabilizing factor.

The most significant blow to the plot came from an intercepted message from a German diplomat discussing the plan. This discovery led to further scrutiny and intensified opposition from Allied authorities.

The Fallout and Legacy

Ultimately, the secret plot to make the Duke of Windsor the King of Germany was thwarted before it could come to fruition. The combination of political resistance, concerns about Edward’s suitability, and the intercepted message led to the abandonment of the scheme. Instead, Germany emerged as a republic in 1949, establishing the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany).

The fallout from the plot had far-reaching consequences for Edward and his wife, Wallis Simpson. The Duke and Duchess continued to lead a life of relative exile, with Edward never returning to public service. They spent their later years in France, where they remained figures of fascination and controversy.

A Fascinating Historical What-If

The secret plot to make the Duke of Windsor the King of Germany is a captivating historical episode — a tale of ambition, intrigue, and the complexities of post-war Europe. While the plot ultimately failed, it raises intriguing “what-if” questions about the course of history had it succeeded.

Edward VIII, who had once been the King of England, spent the rest of his life in the shadow of his brief reign and its controversies. The plot to make him the King of Germany remains a testament to the enduring allure of secret history and the enigmatic figure at its center. It is a reminder that history often conceals hidden layers of intrigue, waiting to be unveiled by those who seek to explore its mysteries.

This video is by Dr. Mark Felton, Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, a well-known British historian and the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers ‘Zero Night’ and ‘Castle of the Eagles,’ both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Dr. Felton also appears regularly in television documentaries worldwide, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel, and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background for several TV and radio documentaries.