Royal history isn’t just about crowns and ceremonies — it’s also full of dramatic moments when monarchs faced serious threats to their lives.
On a recent episode of The Mail’s podcast Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things, historian Kate Williams and royal biographer Robert Hardman dive into some of the most shocking assassination attempts on British royalty.
From daring kidnappings to foiled attacks, these stories reveal how royals have stared death in the face — often without missing a beat.
Edward VIII’s Close Call in Hyde Park
One story that really stands out is the lesser-known 1936 assassination attempt on King Edward VIII.
Although his reign lasted less than a year before his famous abdication, Edward narrowly escaped a deadly attack while riding through London’s Hyde Park.
On that summer day, the King was watching an army ceremony, surrounded by cheering crowds eager to see their relatively new monarch.
Among the spectators was George McMahon, a shady character with links to fascist Italy.
He concealed a revolver inside a folded newspaper, planning to shoot the King.
But luck was on Edward’s side — or rather, on the side of a quick-thinking woman nearby.
The Heroine Who Saved the King
According to historian Kate Williams, the key to Edward’s survival was a woman named Alice Lawrence.
As the King rode past, Alice noticed McMahon acting suspiciously and growing more agitated.
Realizing something was about to go down, she grabbed McMahon’s arm and shouted for help.
That moment was enough for a nearby policeman to react quickly, striking McMahon’s arm and causing the revolver to fly out of his grasp.
Another bystander punched McMahon, and the police swiftly arrested him. Without Alice’s sharp eye and bravery, British history might have taken a very different path.
Global Reactions to the Failed Attack
News of the assassination attempt spread quickly, and Edward VIII received praise and support — some from unexpected places.
Kate Williams shares how Adolf Hitler sent the King a telegram congratulating him on escaping danger, and Italy’s Benito Mussolini also expressed his “heartfelt felicitations.”
Meanwhile, McMahon was put on trial for unlawfully carrying a firearm with intent to endanger life.
His motives remain unclear: Scotland Yard described him as a disgruntled Irish journalist wanting to embarrass the British government, but there were rumors he was funded by fascist Italy for espionage purposes.
McMahon claimed in court that an unnamed foreign power had pushed him to act, but this was dismissed by the judge.
Royalty and Resilience Through History
This episode of Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things offers a fascinating glimpse into the dangerous moments monarchs have survived and how ordinary people sometimes played heroic roles.
From Queen Anne’s narrow escape to Queen Elizabeth II’s calm reaction to a birthday parade attack, royal history is packed with stories of courage and survival.
If you’re intrigued by these tales of intrigue and near-tragedy, check out Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things wherever you listen to podcasts for more fascinating royal stories.