17 Carnations

17 Carnations examines the relationship between Edward VIII and Nazi Germany before and during World War II. Author Andrew Morton draws from recently declassified files and extensive research to document the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's connections to the Third Reich. The book traces Edward's path from his ascension to the British throne through his abdication and subsequent activities in Europe. Morton details the Nazi regime's plans regarding the former king, while exploring the complex web of aristocrats, diplomats, and intelligence agents who surrounded the controversial couple. The narrative follows the fate of crucial documents that emerged after Germany's defeat, revealing the extent of Edward and Wallis Simpson's interactions with Hitler's inner circle. The investigation spans multiple countries and decades as British authorities worked to manage potential damage to the monarchy. At its core, this work raises questions about loyalty, patriotism, and the responsibilities of those born into power. The book challenges readers to consider how privilege and personal desire can influence moments of historical consequence.

Readers found the book offered new insights into the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's Nazi sympathies, though many felt it contained less new information than expected based on the title's promise. Positive reviews highlighted: - Clear writing style and pacing - Detailed research into MI5 and FBI files - Coverage of lesser-known aspects of British-German relations Common criticisms: - Title misleads - "17 Carnations" angle feels forced and peripheral - First third focuses heavily on Edward's early life rather than Nazi connections - Repeats information from other Windsor biographies - Some facts and quotes used multiple times throughout Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (580+ ratings) "Too much rehashed material" was the most frequent complaint in 1-2 star reviews. Several readers noted the book works better as a general Windsor biography than an exposé of Nazi connections. Multiple reviews praised Morton's handling of sensitive political material without sensationalism.

The Secret War: Spies, Ciphers, and Guerrillas, 1939-1945 by Max Hastings Documents British aristocrats who aided Nazi Germany during World War II through espionage and collaboration.

The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication by Alexander Larman Chronicles Edward VIII's relationship with Wallis Simpson through private letters and government documents.

The Mountbattens: Their Lives and Loves by Andrew Lownie Explores the complex political and personal relationships between the British royal family and Nazi Germany during the 1930s.

The Duchess: The Untold Story by Penny Junor Reveals new information about Wallis Simpson's connections to Nazi leadership through declassified intelligence files.

Go-Betweens for Hitler by Karina Urbach Examines the network of British aristocrats who served as intermediaries between Nazi Germany and Britain before World War II.

🏰 The title "17 Carnations" refers to the flowers allegedly sent by Adolf Hitler to Wallis Simpson during her affair with Edward VIII, though historians debate whether this actually occurred. 👑 Author Andrew Morton is best known for his 1992 biography of Princess Diana, "Diana: Her True Story," which became an international sensation when it was revealed Diana herself had secretly collaborated on it. ✈️ The Duke and Duchess of Windsor's wartime activities were so concerning to British intelligence that Winston Churchill arranged for Edward to be appointed Governor of the Bahamas, effectively exiling him far from Europe. 📝 The FBI maintained a 227-page dossier on Wallis Simpson, suspecting her of passing sensitive information to Nazi officials through her friendship with German diplomat Joachim von Ribbentrop. 🗝️ Many crucial documents relating to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's Nazi connections were deliberately destroyed or sealed in the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, some until 2037.