Why did the British government spy on King Edward VIII?
Before Edward VIII became King, he was known for his high spending habits, promiscuity, and links to controversial political figures. His unreliable behavior led his father, George V, and Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, to take the unprecedented decision of spying on him to safeguard national interests and uphold the reputation of the monarchy. This was a definitive step toward his abdication.
Watch the full documentary A Very Royal Crisis: Countdown to Abdication on BBC Select.
