I continue my inquiry how far the film, The King’s Speech, reflects the actual events and the personalities of those involved. Hollywood is notorious for discounting major facts and I understand that Madonna is to play Mrs Wallis Simpson in a film which is said to portray Queen Elizabeth as a scheming woman plotting to put her husband on the throne. There is no doubt that Queen Elizabeth had reservations about elder brother in law David, given his behaviour towards his younger brother, his inclination to bed married women and his rejection of inherited duty and responsibility. It is also true she could not stand Mrs Simpson, for who she was, and her impact on the British Monarchy, her husband and family. It will be interesting to see how Hollywood repackages Mrs Simpson.
I ended my first piece of writing on page 64 of the book written by Logue’s grandson Mark with Peter Conradi as Logue was introduced to the future King either through an Australian contact who met an equerry of the then Duke or the actress Evelyn Laye who had been treated by Logue and who knew both the Duke and his wife who she met and mentioned Logue after learning the royal couple were to make a state visit to Australia.
The book also contains a client assessment card which although is headed the Royal Highness the Duke of York, there is the name and two addresses of a Major, both crossed out, who I assume may have made the original appointment. The first appointment is known to have taken place at 3pm 19th October 1926 and according to the book it emerged during that first meeting that the problem had been affected by his unsympathetic father and tutors, suggesting that he went further than indicated in the film, but still was unwilling to talk feely about his childhood memories and experiences.
The next part does bear out what happens in the film in that Logue insisted that the Duke was treated at the consulting rooms or at his home, although in the film his wife and children appear not to know the identity of the patient until much later. That the Duke was required to undertake exercises daily which included standing at an open window and have frequent contact was also brought out. That the Duke agreed is an indication of his desperation and immediate confidence that Logue could be the one to help him.
We have a detailed account, literally, of the course of treatment over that first year with 82 appointments. Averaging more than once a week costing £172.4 shilling with lessons re Australian visit making the total 197 and 3 shillings said to be worth £9000 to day. Thus the £2000 savings which brought him from Australia was in fact worth about £180000, indicating something of the social class and means of Logue and which would make it easier for the Duke to accept the requirement that he was to be treated as an equal under treatment without the usual formality required and afforded to royalty.
The Australian trip was the reason behind the making of the visit and the effort which the Duke put into his task, which was renewed with each small steps of progress he made. His brother had made a highly successful tour in 1920 and his father decided that Bertie should have the opportunity not only to make a similar visit but to open the new Australian Parliament building, an event which some in the Establishment regarded as likely to prove as significant as when Queen Victoria was proclaimed the Empress of India. The first great test before the trip came with an invitation to address the Pilgrim Society, a high powered Anglo USA association where everyone including the media expected the Duke just to make a few short words of thanks and good wishes. Instead he gave a longer speech which made everyone sit up at the improvement and confident and relaxed approach, masking the hours of work that had been undertaken.
The film does communicate that progress was slow and hard fought. The film brings out that Logue encouraged the future King to use swear words to work off his frustration about his condition, something which is not mentioned in the book, or at least if it does I missed it.
Away from his tutor for six months must have been an ordeal and I query why Logue did not accompany his patient. The book explains that the Duke asked him and pressed him but Logue declined saying that self reliance was the key to his continued improvement and self confidence. I wonder if this was entirely accurate or tells us the full story. It would have brought considerable kudos to have returned to his homeland as a confidante assistant to the Duke. I will not speculate because the book is deficient on what made Logue tick, but there is something missing although I also accept that this is the story of his working relationship with the future King. Perhaps more will be revealed about the man as the story progresses?
As the books comments the refusal to participate in the trip was not held against Logue who communicated by letter his confidence and success, carrying out the practice schedule daily despite the tropical heat as they visited Jamaica and Panama, en route making three official speeches and engaging in conversation with welcoming dignitaries.
The Duke had particular trouble with k and the word King, many will say understandable given the treatment by his father as a child and in a hand written letter he reported to Logue that he had no problem giving the Royal Toast every evening at dinner. The letter is signed Yours very sincerely Albert. The ability to give the Royal toast was also reflected in relations with his father and the Duke told Logue by letter on a visit to Balmoral that he had been able to talk at length and confidently with his father, able to make him listen to him and without having to repeat himself. This aspect is not covered in the film and the relationship before the death of the King misrepresented.
The Duke’s account of his progress was to be confirmed in a separate note from his private secretary to Logue. At the opening of the Parliament the Duke took the initiative and spoke to the assembled crowd outside the building a gesture which was greatly appreciated and commented on as it had not been requested and therefore planned. There were various reports of his speaking and speeches and on return he addressed a welcome home lunch at the City Mansion House for half an hour. However the Duke was aware of his continuing underlying problems and reinstated the sessions with Logue when he returned to London. The chapter ends with a mention of the importance which the support and encouragement of his wife contributed to his progress with the story that at one after lunch address when he appeared to find it difficult to start the duchess had squeezed his hand and this was the spur for the Duke to compete the task without further anxiety.
The next Chapter -Court Dress with Feathers reveals a practice which I wonder if it still continues in some from, that is he presentation of individuals to the monarch, in this instance King George and Queen Mary, in court dress and regalia. On 12th June 1928, Myrtle wife of Logue attended one of two Courts that month and was presented by the wife of the Minister of the Dominions. The invitation stated that ladies had to wear court dress feathers! Apparently having arrived at the Palace you queue in an anti room and then moved forward as your name is announced and curtsy to the King and then the Queen who look on you without smiling but giving a nod. Afterwards you go off to the supper rooms for chicken and champagne. This personal note of achievement which included invitation to them both to attend one of he Summer Garden parties also mentioned that they had been spending a month in Europe a year on holiday and had then bought a holiday bungalow at Thames Ditton Island on the Thames and consequently decided to stay in England that year. I assume his professional practice was thriving with the referrals from the wealthiest and socially highest sections of society.
What also impresses me is that while Logue’s role would have been known and appreciated, perhaps resented by some, within court circles and the government, it was kept out of the newspapers. Given that his ability to speak in public had become such an issue, such a situation would be impossible to day, especially as there would be no grounds for justifying silence on grounds of state security. The position lasted until 2nd October 1928 when the London correspondent of the American Press Association wrote to Logue requesting a meeting so he had opportunity to give the facts before the story was published, Logue attempted to contact the Duke and was therefore left to come to a decision, replying in writing that it was impossible for him to give any information on the matter. In my judgement this was a good reply because he was not denying his involvement but indicated that he could not make a statement. However his response should have been agreed with Duke who in turn should have consulted his father and Court Advisers before any response was made. It is unclear if this was so.
The story did appear in the US press two months after the Association had made contact. The story did not appear directly in the UK and the article admitted that almost no one in the UK was prepared to talk about how the transformation had taken place. There was reference to Logue confirming the Duke was his patient and his inability to comment further. The story was however too good for the British press to remain silent and an article appeared in the Sunday Express and then spread throughout the Empire especially in Australia where there was pride that one of their countrymen had played such an important role. The other positive aspect of the news story was the broader discussion about the problem, its causes and treatment and the differences between men and women.
An Australian writer had gained Royal permission to accompany the Duke throughout the Australian visit and then to publish in effect an official biography which included the story of his impediment and its successful treatment by Logue. Logue did then respond to media inquiries after publication and throughout emphasised that the problem had been a physical one, thus avoiding any reference to his care as a child and relationships, especially with the King.
These developments coincided with the deterioration in the health of the King and the book mentions that the elder son who was away at the time had to be pressed to return home. There is letter from Albert to David in which he jokes that that his brother should return quickly “less if anything happens to Papa I am going to bag the throne in your absence!!! Just like the middle ages.
The next Chapter, the Calm before the Storm, covers the first half of the 1930’s during which time the role of the Duke was increased, his second daughter was born and he and his family were allocated a country home in Windsor Great Park. The future King is reported to have been contented with life. Logue’s role effectively came to an end although he kept in written contact, receiving progress reports from time to time written by the Duke by hand. In 1929 he reported that his youngest daughter had a good pair of lungs. In May 1930 the Duke’s private secretary asked Logue if he would encourage the Duke to initiate more conversations on visits as because of his shyness he tended to hold back. Direct contact was limited with one meeting in 1932. This often happens in relationship where one individual has a helping role for another, when the patient makes sufficient progress to feel confident they can find an ongoing relationship difficult
In the film this period is portrayed as an actual break in the relationship with the condition only marginally improved and the Duke breaking off contact because Logue had attempted to delve into the psychological and emotional upbringing. The Duke arrives at Logue’s former home while his wife and son are out to make peace because he needs help arising from the abdication of his older brother.
It also has to be remembered that this was a time of economic depression with the number of unemployed rising to one fifth of the workforce from 1 million to 2 ½ m million. The King had cut back significantly on the Civil List and the Duke had stopped hunting, selling his loved horses. Logue had received 100 letters from individuals throughout the world seeking treatment following the publicity of his service to the Duke. And he planned to start up a new clinic, but was also affected by the economic conditions, something with all engaged privately in the professions also found.
Overall the family fortunes improved as they moved from their small flat into a 25 room Victorian property with five acres of gardens and woodland, Beechgrove at 111 Sydenham Hill close to the Crystal Palace which had been moved from it original construction in Hyde Park for the 1851 Great Exhibition. They therefore were able to watch its destruction in the fire of 1936. The eldest son was learning the catering business in Nottingham with Joe Lyons and co. The second was studying to be a doctor and the third attending the famous Dulwich College.
Logue’s standing in the profession was also enhanced and in 1935 he established the British Society of Speech therapists. The Society formed a two year training course which led members to become recognised medical auxiliaries. Those without knowledge of the medical and hospital services before and since the creation of the National Health Service may not appreciate that power was divided between the doctors and the administrators who had their separate hierarchical structures and control system with nurses regarded as forming a second class and all others, very much a lower class, if they were recognised at all. The society attempted to take action against those who practiced without their qualification.
The Kings death at 11.55 on January 20thh 1936 came comparatively suddenly at the age of 70 after taking to his bed, with what he thought was a cold five days before and within two months of the death of his younger sister, Princess Victoria on December 3rd. Those of my generation although still not alive remember hearing that Bulletin issued at the time, The King’s life is moving peacefully to its close. His older brother was declared King and Albert as the heir presumptive was also required to change his role.
Again it is likely that only those of my generation or older will know or much care that David‘s reign as George 6th lasted less than one year.
The chapter in this book on the period is excellent and more direct than the film. David like his brother had been shy. It was as late as the age of 22 that through two equerries introduced the future King to a prostitute in Amiens and which appears to have been the catalyst for his subsequent relationships with mature, usually married women disregarding the effort of his parents that he should marry an appropriate young woman as his young brother. He had a 16 year relationship with the wife of a Liberal Member of Parliament, breaking off the relationship for a brief affair with the married twin sister of Gloria Vanderbilt. It was Thelma Lady Furness who is said to have introduced the then Prince to Mrs Wallis Simpson then aged 35 years and whose birth name was Bessie Wallis (Warfield).
There is incontestable evidence that Wallace Simpson was an admirer of Hitler and the fascist extermination of communists, and that she was close to Von Ribbentrop, most likely his lover and that she disclosed information which came her way from the Duke to the enemy. There is no doubt to my mind that had she not become the wife of the former King she should have been prosecuted for treason, had the evidence been available at the time. Her sexual power over the future King and other men is also legendry but the way he capitulated to her charms sacrificing his position, neglecting his inherited duty does also reflect his limitations alongside his many positive features which included a genuine concern for the less fortunate in society. Although even in this respect there were contradictions, making economies cutting salaries to balance the Royal books while seeming great amounts on jewellery for his then mistress, and which raised some £45 million when sold at auction after her death.
His approach to his role as Monarch also left a lot to be desired being late of arrangement meetings or cancelling at the last moment and failing to return his state boxes, or doing so with items unread or stained from the whisky glasses he used to comfort him during the required tasks His father’s concern that his son would ruin himself within a year appeared a self fulfilling prophecy. Although the King did not have much support, Winston Churchill spoke in his favour in the House of Commons, once the story had broken in the British press, a point not brought out in the film. Very quickly when the King made his intention to marry the now divorced Mrs Simpson, he was told plainly that he could keep her as his mistress which was the approach of his grandfather who was a notorious womanizer, or abdicate, or marry her and face the consequences, that is the Government would resign creating a constitutional crisis perhaps a general election on the issue, forcing the King out, threatening a civil war. The then King declaring his love and wish to marry Mrs Simpson and abdicated.
Logue was an outsider to these matters and heard the first broadcast statement of the new King from his home, noting the hesitation and immediately writing to offer his services if they would help. The prevailing view within the media was to welcome the new King without referring to his speech difficulties. It was the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Lang, who upset the apparent ease of transition. Only two days after the abdication he admonished the former King for surrendering his high and sacred trust for his self admitted craving for private happiness. He went in that it was even more strange that he had sought happiness inconsistent with the Christian faith. The King after all had been head of the Church of England and the archbishop went on to add that the King was moving in a social circle whose ways if life were alien to the British people. The book reports that the Duke who heard the address was distressed to which I comment good, and so he should have been, for their can be no excuse or mitigation for his behaviour in terms of the peril in which his actions put the British Empire. There are those of us who will not forget that he subsequently visited Hitler giving him the Nazi salute and also after the war commented that he did not regard Hitler as being such a bad chap, and that had Hitler conquered the UK he would have turned the couple into British quislings, by putting him back on the throne with Mrs Simpson the Queen
Unfortunately he then, no doubt from the best of intentions, in comparing the new King to his brother referred to his hesitations in speaking but commended him for his approach which he then substantiated the following day in the House of Lords by speaking of his simplicity, his straightforwardness and assiduous devotion to duty. There were 300 members of the Privy Council at that time and they were approached by the media directly and directly as to whether the new King still had a stutter and one paper reported that none could be found as saying, “His Majesty does not still stutter” This seemed to fuel a whispering campaign against King George that he was not up to task, despite the experience and behaviour of his elder brother.
The book then deals with the controversy that developed in Australia whether the King had been successfully treated by Logue, given that others claimed responsibility for the progress he had made. This to my mind sums up the problems and risks of trying to keep some matters restricted from the public buy refusing to provide the objective facts and leaving the issue to be investigated and interpreted by the media. It is difficult to generalise especially when the media is also culpable of ignoring the objective facts at times in order to present an issue in a favourable or unfavourable light according to the inclinations of a proprietor and or editor.
On 15th April 1937 Logue was summoned to see the King at Windsor Castle without being advised of the purpose. The reason was made immediately clear. The King had become extremely nervous about the Coronation and although Archbishop Lang wanted a different voice coach (brought out in the film) this was rejected in favour of calling on Logue to re-establish his former role after a gap of several years. In addition to the wish to speak without stuttering during the Coronation service there was more concern about the speech the King was to make on radio to the Empire that evening. There was such anxiety that Lord Reith suggested they create a good recording of the various recordings made during rehearsals to be used if necessary to be presented as one live speech if the problems continued. Two days before the Coronation Logue was advised he was awarded the Royal Victorian Order for his services which thrilled him greatly celebrating with champagne. A new era for both men had commenced.
I ended my first piece of writing on page 64 of the book written by Logue’s grandson Mark with Peter Conradi as Logue was introduced to the future King either through an Australian contact who met an equerry of the then Duke or the actress Evelyn Laye who had been treated by Logue and who knew both the Duke and his wife who she met and mentioned Logue after learning the royal couple were to make a state visit to Australia.
The book also contains a client assessment card which although is headed the Royal Highness the Duke of York, there is the name and two addresses of a Major, both crossed out, who I assume may have made the original appointment. The first appointment is known to have taken place at 3pm 19th October 1926 and according to the book it emerged during that first meeting that the problem had been affected by his unsympathetic father and tutors, suggesting that he went further than indicated in the film, but still was unwilling to talk feely about his childhood memories and experiences.
The next part does bear out what happens in the film in that Logue insisted that the Duke was treated at the consulting rooms or at his home, although in the film his wife and children appear not to know the identity of the patient until much later. That the Duke was required to undertake exercises daily which included standing at an open window and have frequent contact was also brought out. That the Duke agreed is an indication of his desperation and immediate confidence that Logue could be the one to help him.
We have a detailed account, literally, of the course of treatment over that first year with 82 appointments. Averaging more than once a week costing £172.4 shilling with lessons re Australian visit making the total 197 and 3 shillings said to be worth £9000 to day. Thus the £2000 savings which brought him from Australia was in fact worth about £180000, indicating something of the social class and means of Logue and which would make it easier for the Duke to accept the requirement that he was to be treated as an equal under treatment without the usual formality required and afforded to royalty.
The Australian trip was the reason behind the making of the visit and the effort which the Duke put into his task, which was renewed with each small steps of progress he made. His brother had made a highly successful tour in 1920 and his father decided that Bertie should have the opportunity not only to make a similar visit but to open the new Australian Parliament building, an event which some in the Establishment regarded as likely to prove as significant as when Queen Victoria was proclaimed the Empress of India. The first great test before the trip came with an invitation to address the Pilgrim Society, a high powered Anglo USA association where everyone including the media expected the Duke just to make a few short words of thanks and good wishes. Instead he gave a longer speech which made everyone sit up at the improvement and confident and relaxed approach, masking the hours of work that had been undertaken.
The film does communicate that progress was slow and hard fought. The film brings out that Logue encouraged the future King to use swear words to work off his frustration about his condition, something which is not mentioned in the book, or at least if it does I missed it.
Away from his tutor for six months must have been an ordeal and I query why Logue did not accompany his patient. The book explains that the Duke asked him and pressed him but Logue declined saying that self reliance was the key to his continued improvement and self confidence. I wonder if this was entirely accurate or tells us the full story. It would have brought considerable kudos to have returned to his homeland as a confidante assistant to the Duke. I will not speculate because the book is deficient on what made Logue tick, but there is something missing although I also accept that this is the story of his working relationship with the future King. Perhaps more will be revealed about the man as the story progresses?
As the books comments the refusal to participate in the trip was not held against Logue who communicated by letter his confidence and success, carrying out the practice schedule daily despite the tropical heat as they visited Jamaica and Panama, en route making three official speeches and engaging in conversation with welcoming dignitaries.
The Duke had particular trouble with k and the word King, many will say understandable given the treatment by his father as a child and in a hand written letter he reported to Logue that he had no problem giving the Royal Toast every evening at dinner. The letter is signed Yours very sincerely Albert. The ability to give the Royal toast was also reflected in relations with his father and the Duke told Logue by letter on a visit to Balmoral that he had been able to talk at length and confidently with his father, able to make him listen to him and without having to repeat himself. This aspect is not covered in the film and the relationship before the death of the King misrepresented.
The Duke’s account of his progress was to be confirmed in a separate note from his private secretary to Logue. At the opening of the Parliament the Duke took the initiative and spoke to the assembled crowd outside the building a gesture which was greatly appreciated and commented on as it had not been requested and therefore planned. There were various reports of his speaking and speeches and on return he addressed a welcome home lunch at the City Mansion House for half an hour. However the Duke was aware of his continuing underlying problems and reinstated the sessions with Logue when he returned to London. The chapter ends with a mention of the importance which the support and encouragement of his wife contributed to his progress with the story that at one after lunch address when he appeared to find it difficult to start the duchess had squeezed his hand and this was the spur for the Duke to compete the task without further anxiety.
The next Chapter -Court Dress with Feathers reveals a practice which I wonder if it still continues in some from, that is he presentation of individuals to the monarch, in this instance King George and Queen Mary, in court dress and regalia. On 12th June 1928, Myrtle wife of Logue attended one of two Courts that month and was presented by the wife of the Minister of the Dominions. The invitation stated that ladies had to wear court dress feathers! Apparently having arrived at the Palace you queue in an anti room and then moved forward as your name is announced and curtsy to the King and then the Queen who look on you without smiling but giving a nod. Afterwards you go off to the supper rooms for chicken and champagne. This personal note of achievement which included invitation to them both to attend one of he Summer Garden parties also mentioned that they had been spending a month in Europe a year on holiday and had then bought a holiday bungalow at Thames Ditton Island on the Thames and consequently decided to stay in England that year. I assume his professional practice was thriving with the referrals from the wealthiest and socially highest sections of society.
What also impresses me is that while Logue’s role would have been known and appreciated, perhaps resented by some, within court circles and the government, it was kept out of the newspapers. Given that his ability to speak in public had become such an issue, such a situation would be impossible to day, especially as there would be no grounds for justifying silence on grounds of state security. The position lasted until 2nd October 1928 when the London correspondent of the American Press Association wrote to Logue requesting a meeting so he had opportunity to give the facts before the story was published, Logue attempted to contact the Duke and was therefore left to come to a decision, replying in writing that it was impossible for him to give any information on the matter. In my judgement this was a good reply because he was not denying his involvement but indicated that he could not make a statement. However his response should have been agreed with Duke who in turn should have consulted his father and Court Advisers before any response was made. It is unclear if this was so.
The story did appear in the US press two months after the Association had made contact. The story did not appear directly in the UK and the article admitted that almost no one in the UK was prepared to talk about how the transformation had taken place. There was reference to Logue confirming the Duke was his patient and his inability to comment further. The story was however too good for the British press to remain silent and an article appeared in the Sunday Express and then spread throughout the Empire especially in Australia where there was pride that one of their countrymen had played such an important role. The other positive aspect of the news story was the broader discussion about the problem, its causes and treatment and the differences between men and women.
An Australian writer had gained Royal permission to accompany the Duke throughout the Australian visit and then to publish in effect an official biography which included the story of his impediment and its successful treatment by Logue. Logue did then respond to media inquiries after publication and throughout emphasised that the problem had been a physical one, thus avoiding any reference to his care as a child and relationships, especially with the King.
These developments coincided with the deterioration in the health of the King and the book mentions that the elder son who was away at the time had to be pressed to return home. There is letter from Albert to David in which he jokes that that his brother should return quickly “less if anything happens to Papa I am going to bag the throne in your absence!!! Just like the middle ages.
The next Chapter, the Calm before the Storm, covers the first half of the 1930’s during which time the role of the Duke was increased, his second daughter was born and he and his family were allocated a country home in Windsor Great Park. The future King is reported to have been contented with life. Logue’s role effectively came to an end although he kept in written contact, receiving progress reports from time to time written by the Duke by hand. In 1929 he reported that his youngest daughter had a good pair of lungs. In May 1930 the Duke’s private secretary asked Logue if he would encourage the Duke to initiate more conversations on visits as because of his shyness he tended to hold back. Direct contact was limited with one meeting in 1932. This often happens in relationship where one individual has a helping role for another, when the patient makes sufficient progress to feel confident they can find an ongoing relationship difficult
In the film this period is portrayed as an actual break in the relationship with the condition only marginally improved and the Duke breaking off contact because Logue had attempted to delve into the psychological and emotional upbringing. The Duke arrives at Logue’s former home while his wife and son are out to make peace because he needs help arising from the abdication of his older brother.
It also has to be remembered that this was a time of economic depression with the number of unemployed rising to one fifth of the workforce from 1 million to 2 ½ m million. The King had cut back significantly on the Civil List and the Duke had stopped hunting, selling his loved horses. Logue had received 100 letters from individuals throughout the world seeking treatment following the publicity of his service to the Duke. And he planned to start up a new clinic, but was also affected by the economic conditions, something with all engaged privately in the professions also found.
Overall the family fortunes improved as they moved from their small flat into a 25 room Victorian property with five acres of gardens and woodland, Beechgrove at 111 Sydenham Hill close to the Crystal Palace which had been moved from it original construction in Hyde Park for the 1851 Great Exhibition. They therefore were able to watch its destruction in the fire of 1936. The eldest son was learning the catering business in Nottingham with Joe Lyons and co. The second was studying to be a doctor and the third attending the famous Dulwich College.
Logue’s standing in the profession was also enhanced and in 1935 he established the British Society of Speech therapists. The Society formed a two year training course which led members to become recognised medical auxiliaries. Those without knowledge of the medical and hospital services before and since the creation of the National Health Service may not appreciate that power was divided between the doctors and the administrators who had their separate hierarchical structures and control system with nurses regarded as forming a second class and all others, very much a lower class, if they were recognised at all. The society attempted to take action against those who practiced without their qualification.
The Kings death at 11.55 on January 20thh 1936 came comparatively suddenly at the age of 70 after taking to his bed, with what he thought was a cold five days before and within two months of the death of his younger sister, Princess Victoria on December 3rd. Those of my generation although still not alive remember hearing that Bulletin issued at the time, The King’s life is moving peacefully to its close. His older brother was declared King and Albert as the heir presumptive was also required to change his role.
Again it is likely that only those of my generation or older will know or much care that David‘s reign as George 6th lasted less than one year.
The chapter in this book on the period is excellent and more direct than the film. David like his brother had been shy. It was as late as the age of 22 that through two equerries introduced the future King to a prostitute in Amiens and which appears to have been the catalyst for his subsequent relationships with mature, usually married women disregarding the effort of his parents that he should marry an appropriate young woman as his young brother. He had a 16 year relationship with the wife of a Liberal Member of Parliament, breaking off the relationship for a brief affair with the married twin sister of Gloria Vanderbilt. It was Thelma Lady Furness who is said to have introduced the then Prince to Mrs Wallis Simpson then aged 35 years and whose birth name was Bessie Wallis (Warfield).
There is incontestable evidence that Wallace Simpson was an admirer of Hitler and the fascist extermination of communists, and that she was close to Von Ribbentrop, most likely his lover and that she disclosed information which came her way from the Duke to the enemy. There is no doubt to my mind that had she not become the wife of the former King she should have been prosecuted for treason, had the evidence been available at the time. Her sexual power over the future King and other men is also legendry but the way he capitulated to her charms sacrificing his position, neglecting his inherited duty does also reflect his limitations alongside his many positive features which included a genuine concern for the less fortunate in society. Although even in this respect there were contradictions, making economies cutting salaries to balance the Royal books while seeming great amounts on jewellery for his then mistress, and which raised some £45 million when sold at auction after her death.
His approach to his role as Monarch also left a lot to be desired being late of arrangement meetings or cancelling at the last moment and failing to return his state boxes, or doing so with items unread or stained from the whisky glasses he used to comfort him during the required tasks His father’s concern that his son would ruin himself within a year appeared a self fulfilling prophecy. Although the King did not have much support, Winston Churchill spoke in his favour in the House of Commons, once the story had broken in the British press, a point not brought out in the film. Very quickly when the King made his intention to marry the now divorced Mrs Simpson, he was told plainly that he could keep her as his mistress which was the approach of his grandfather who was a notorious womanizer, or abdicate, or marry her and face the consequences, that is the Government would resign creating a constitutional crisis perhaps a general election on the issue, forcing the King out, threatening a civil war. The then King declaring his love and wish to marry Mrs Simpson and abdicated.
Logue was an outsider to these matters and heard the first broadcast statement of the new King from his home, noting the hesitation and immediately writing to offer his services if they would help. The prevailing view within the media was to welcome the new King without referring to his speech difficulties. It was the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Lang, who upset the apparent ease of transition. Only two days after the abdication he admonished the former King for surrendering his high and sacred trust for his self admitted craving for private happiness. He went in that it was even more strange that he had sought happiness inconsistent with the Christian faith. The King after all had been head of the Church of England and the archbishop went on to add that the King was moving in a social circle whose ways if life were alien to the British people. The book reports that the Duke who heard the address was distressed to which I comment good, and so he should have been, for their can be no excuse or mitigation for his behaviour in terms of the peril in which his actions put the British Empire. There are those of us who will not forget that he subsequently visited Hitler giving him the Nazi salute and also after the war commented that he did not regard Hitler as being such a bad chap, and that had Hitler conquered the UK he would have turned the couple into British quislings, by putting him back on the throne with Mrs Simpson the Queen
Unfortunately he then, no doubt from the best of intentions, in comparing the new King to his brother referred to his hesitations in speaking but commended him for his approach which he then substantiated the following day in the House of Lords by speaking of his simplicity, his straightforwardness and assiduous devotion to duty. There were 300 members of the Privy Council at that time and they were approached by the media directly and directly as to whether the new King still had a stutter and one paper reported that none could be found as saying, “His Majesty does not still stutter” This seemed to fuel a whispering campaign against King George that he was not up to task, despite the experience and behaviour of his elder brother.
The book then deals with the controversy that developed in Australia whether the King had been successfully treated by Logue, given that others claimed responsibility for the progress he had made. This to my mind sums up the problems and risks of trying to keep some matters restricted from the public buy refusing to provide the objective facts and leaving the issue to be investigated and interpreted by the media. It is difficult to generalise especially when the media is also culpable of ignoring the objective facts at times in order to present an issue in a favourable or unfavourable light according to the inclinations of a proprietor and or editor.
On 15th April 1937 Logue was summoned to see the King at Windsor Castle without being advised of the purpose. The reason was made immediately clear. The King had become extremely nervous about the Coronation and although Archbishop Lang wanted a different voice coach (brought out in the film) this was rejected in favour of calling on Logue to re-establish his former role after a gap of several years. In addition to the wish to speak without stuttering during the Coronation service there was more concern about the speech the King was to make on radio to the Empire that evening. There was such anxiety that Lord Reith suggested they create a good recording of the various recordings made during rehearsals to be used if necessary to be presented as one live speech if the problems continued. Two days before the Coronation Logue was advised he was awarded the Royal Victorian Order for his services which thrilled him greatly celebrating with champagne. A new era for both men had commenced.
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