Especially on the heels of the Profumo Affair, which had reflected poorly on MI5 and MI6's competency in counterintelligence, higher-ups believed that keeping Blunt's crimes under wraps would be best. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work. . Here we look back at some of his biggest gaffes and royals scandals. The first episode introduces us to Surveyor of the Queens Pictures, Sir Anthony Blunt (played by Samuel West), who held the position for 27 years. Given its nature, there is lingering secrecy around the Blunt affair, but Robert hopes retelling the story in The Crown might reignite interest and finally reveal the truth. (He most likely didn't blackmail Philip into silence over the Promo Affair though, as Philip's involvement last season was made up.). 17:05 EDT 03 Apr 2021 Prince Philip's love of racy London society found him vulnerable to Prince Philip's most shocking royal scandals over the years Except it has the benefit of being real. copyright 2003-2023 Homework.Study.com. According to archives cited by Carter, Blunt provided Soviet intelligence officers with 1,771 documents between 1941 and 1945. Blunts life as a royal art historian was not an obvious way to access sensitive information. He was addressing a press conference at the Times newspaper offices, outlining his role in the spy scandal. A year later, aged 57, Blunt confessed and it is believed the Queen was informed. As it turns out, it had already been lurking inside the palace for years. They considered they were acting on principle.. Blunt was born in Hampshire country in the south of England and was educated at Cambridge. But Blunt effectively blackmails Prince Philip using the Profumo scandal, and the drama seems to imply this might have contributed to Blunt keeping his liberty and his job.