Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t totally briefed on the espionage exploits of her artwork surveyor, Anthony Blunt, till 1973—a staggering 9 years after his confession.
The information, launched by the National Archives, reveal that palace officers intentionally delayed telling the monarch about Blunt’s stunning double life as a Soviet spy.
Despite the betrayal, the Queen reportedly obtained the information together with her trademark composure, described as “calm and with out shock” in a letter penned by her then-private secretary, Sir Martin Charteris.
Blunt, a celebrated artwork historian, had been appointed surveyor of the Queen’s photos by King George VI in 1945, a task he held with distinction for practically twenty years.
However, behind the polished facade, Blunt confessed in 1964 that he had been working for Russian intelligence because the Nineteen Thirties.
He later unmasked because the “fourth man” within the notorious Cambridge Five spy ring, maintained his prestigious royal place till his retirement in 1972, regardless of admitting to espionage courting again to the Nineteen Thirties.
Newly disclosed correspondence reveals a palace technique to defend the Queen from the complete reality, spearheaded by her personal secretary, Sir Martin Charteris.
In November 1972, MI5 Director-General Michael Hanley pressed Charteris to chop ties with Blunt. Charteris resisted, reasoning there was “little level” as he was nearing the tip of his tenure.
He reportedly added that the Queen “was in no way eager on Blunt and noticed him hardly ever,” downplaying the necessity for speedy motion.
Prime Minister Edward Heath took decisive motion, ordering preparations for a possible press scandal and instructing Charteris to transient the Queen.
