Edward was obviously a Nazi sympathizer. He was self absorbed, not particularly politically astute and more than likely a 'useful idiot'. There is, however, no credible evidence presented in this film that he was a traitor.
A letter from the Duke to The Chancler of Germany in 1937 (Hitler) thanking him for the hospitality shown to them during a visit is taken as proof positive that Edward was working with the Germans. Or course, Royals, before the war, during the war, and after the war and to this day are supposed to write polite letters to the Leaders of the Countries they visit. So the idea that this is evidence of collaboration is simply idiotic.
In 1940 Edward was a military attaché in France, where he lived. He inspected French defenses and reported to the BRITISH government that the defenses were weak. Subsequently the Germans took advantage of those weak defenses to defeat the French. It is implied that Edward leaked this information to the Germans - WITHOUT ANY EVIDENCE PRESENTED. Of course, the film makers disregard the fact that German Generals and military planners are not complete idiots and probably knew about the weak defenses all on their own is never considered by the film makers.
Finally, the bulk of the evidence has a single source, which is German communications concerning the Duke from a Nazi 'agent' in Lisbon. There is no direct evidence of Edwards thoughts or actions, just what the agent reports to the Germans and they are taken as absolutely factual.
The thought that the Portugues Banker was giving the Germans exactly what they wanted to hear so the Banker could become trusted and very rich does not occur to the film makers despite the fact that the Banker became trusted and very rich working with the Germans.
That Edward was at all times surrounded by spies and observers from many countries and yet no supporting evidence is presented also speaks to the narrow and limited investigation the film makers did to support their thesis.
In the end, a hack job without any real evidence.
A letter from the Duke to The Chancler of Germany in 1937 (Hitler) thanking him for the hospitality shown to them during a visit is taken as proof positive that Edward was working with the Germans. Or course, Royals, before the war, during the war, and after the war and to this day are supposed to write polite letters to the Leaders of the Countries they visit. So the idea that this is evidence of collaboration is simply idiotic.
In 1940 Edward was a military attaché in France, where he lived. He inspected French defenses and reported to the BRITISH government that the defenses were weak. Subsequently the Germans took advantage of those weak defenses to defeat the French. It is implied that Edward leaked this information to the Germans - WITHOUT ANY EVIDENCE PRESENTED. Of course, the film makers disregard the fact that German Generals and military planners are not complete idiots and probably knew about the weak defenses all on their own is never considered by the film makers.
Finally, the bulk of the evidence has a single source, which is German communications concerning the Duke from a Nazi 'agent' in Lisbon. There is no direct evidence of Edwards thoughts or actions, just what the agent reports to the Germans and they are taken as absolutely factual.
The thought that the Portugues Banker was giving the Germans exactly what they wanted to hear so the Banker could become trusted and very rich does not occur to the film makers despite the fact that the Banker became trusted and very rich working with the Germans.
That Edward was at all times surrounded by spies and observers from many countries and yet no supporting evidence is presented also speaks to the narrow and limited investigation the film makers did to support their thesis.
In the end, a hack job without any real evidence.
