Mountbatten was on a boating vacation in Sligo, Ireland, with his family when members of the IRA claimed they planted and subsequently detonated a bomb on his fishing vessel, per History.com. The National reports on a pair of bombings in Ireland in August 1979, including one that killed Lord Mountbatten. In addition to Mountbatten, who was 79 at the time, his grandson, 14-year-old Nicholas Knatchbull, died, as did several others. We may earn commission from the links on this page. "I was completely surprised at how strongly I felt. "There were concerns about cuts in the armed forces, a belief that public spending needed to be reduced, and tougher laws needed against the trade unions," he said. By entering your details, you are agreeing to HistoryExtra terms and conditions and privacy policy. In an interview with The Irish Mirror, Josh O'Connor, who portrays Prince Charles, spoke about how the depiction of Mountbatten's death affected him, likening the relationship between the two figures to a father and son. He ignored the advice. In addition to Lord Mountbatten and his family members, roughly 3,600 people died because of The Troubles. You can unsubscribe at any time. Season 4 depicts his death. At exactly 11.45am, just as their boat reached the lobster pots, a few hundred yards away on the cliff top overlooking the bay, the PIRA team pressed the button which activated the bomb they had planted on the boat, moored in the bay, the night before. Mountbatten’s body, his legs severed and most of his clothes ripped off in the blast, except for a fragment of his long-sleeved jersey with the badge of HMS Kelly on the front, was found floating face downwards in the water. Timothy Knatchbull, who survived the bombing aboard the same vessel but lost his grandparents and twin brother, Nicholas, wrote a book about the event titled From a Clear Blue Sky: Surviving the Mountbatten Bomb. The Mountbatten family is a British dynasty originating as a cadet branch of the German princely Battenberg family.The name was adopted on 14 July 1917, just three days before the British Royal Family had its name changed to Windsor, by members of the Battenberg family residing in the United Kingdom due to rising anti-German sentiment amongst the British public during World War I. His death was an inflection point in the conflict between Northern Ireland and England, which went on for decades in the late 20th century. Andrew Lownie is a literary agent and bestselling historian whose books include The Mountbattens: Their Lives and Loves (Blink Publishing, 2019). You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Shonda Rhimes Was "Shocked" By Fans Reaction, The Cast of Netflix's "The Circle" Is Here at Last, "Bridgerton" Added Four New Cast Members to S2, Everything Season 7 of "Younger" Needs to Address, You Can Watch "Promising Young Woman" This Weekend, Queen Elizabeth's Husband Prince Philip Dies at 99, Eddie Murphy Talks "Coming to America" With Oprah, Netflix's Most Binge-Worthy Spanish-Language Shows. Lord Mountbatten: Did Prince Philip’s uncle attempt to lead a coup against Harold Wilson’s government? Thank you for subscribing to HistoryExtra, you now have unlimited access. Aged 70, he was said to be suffering chest pains and doctors treated him the night before he died. 12 Pallbearers at the funeral service for Lord Mountbatten … Some of the most beautiful characters I’ve played have been to do with father figures.". Or might the reason for his death have nothing to do with his symbolic royal status? Those who've watched The Crown are no doubt familiar with the man known affectionately on the show as "Dickie," but many may not know what a powerful (and divisive) person he was. Here, ahead of series four of The Crown, Andrew Lownie explains how the events unfolded and considers why Mountbatten – affectionately named ‘Dickie’ – was murdered, and whether the IRA was really behind the assassination…, Please note: this article contains details some readers may find distressing. The Provisional IRA, admitting responsibility for the attack, released a statement: “This operation is one of the discriminate ways we can bring to the attention of the English people the continuing occupation of our country.”, Prince Charles, who regarded Mountbatten as his ‘honorary grandfather’, was told the news while fishing in Iceland. Lord Mountbatten recites a poem at his Burma veterans meeting to great effect. For some reason in 1979, the year of Mountbatten’s death, that surveillance was withdrawn. Some context: By 1968, Prime Minister Harold Wilson's government was beset with economic problems and industrial unrest, Lownie explains. He was crushed to death by a tractor in a mysterious accident in 1995. The evidence against them was circumstantial – the men had traces of gelignite on them and McMahon had specks of green paint from Shadow V. McMahon served 19 years before being released under the Good Friday Agreement, while McGirl was released as there was insufficient evidence to convict. Prince Charles and Camilla: a history of their romance. Those interested can learn more from a 2019 documentary, The Day Mountbatten Died, directed by Sam Collyns and timed to the 40th anniversary of his passing. Timothy survived the attack. "Although he could certainly be ruthless with people when the occasion demanded, his infectious enthusiasm, his sheer capacity for hard work, his wit made him an irresistible leader among men," Charles said. Lord Louis Mountbatten was killed by members of the IRA, leader in the Royal Navy during World War II, Northern Ireland's devolved government system. Rumours of Mountbatten’s bisexuality have been hinted at since his death but the Establishment closed ranks. 0:25 The violence was shocking and the news was grim. In June 1946, whilst receiving his honorary degree at Oxford, Mountbatten had talked long into the night with Zuckerman, about the war, about the enormous problems that it had left behind, and about what his own future was to be. True story featured in The Crown season 3 The third series of hit show the features a … Certainly there was either cock-up or conspiracy that he was not better protected in 1979. The service was reportedly the biggest gathering of British royalty since King George VI died in 1952. August 1979 in der Bucht von Sligo, Irland) war ein britischer Admiral of the Fleet, letzter Vizekönig von Indien sowie erster Generalgouverneur Indiens nach der Teilung und Generalstabschef des Vereinigten Königreichs aus dem Adelsgeschlecht Battenberg. Mountbatten’s political ambitions were hardly new. The two men, who had been acting suspiciously, had been taken in for questioning at a routine road check even before the explosion. Bullets and ballot boxes: a history of Anglo-Irish relations since the Easter Rising. Reportedly, Charles thought of Mountbatten as an "honorary grandfather.". Thanks! However, as a great-grandson of Queen Victoria, Mountbatten was also a distant cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, Married to: Edwina Ashley, supposedly the richest heiress in the world on her marriage in 1922, Children: Patricia Knatchbull, who was allowed to inherit her father’s title, and Lady Pamela Hicks, Siblings: Princess Alice of Greece and Denmark (mother of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh); Queen Louise of Sweden; and George Mountbatten, 2nd Marquess of Milford Haven. Lord Mountbatten’s death was an assassination and it did take place on a boat. Her death affected many, even the Indian Parliament rose for 2 minutes silence. One of the earl's twin grandsons, Nicholas, 14, and Paul Maxwell, 15, a … After days of rain, Dickie Mountbatten and some of his family, enjoying their annual August holiday at his holiday home, Classiebawn Castle near the village of Cliffoney, County Sligo, in the Republic of Ireland, had decided at breakfast to go out in their 29-foot fishing boat, Shadow V, moored a mile away at Mullaghmore Harbour, to lift the lobster pots they had set the previous day. Countess Mountbatten is the wife of Earl Mountbatten, Norton Knatchbull - the grandson of Philip's beloved uncle the 1st Earl Mountbatten, who was murdered by the IRA in 1979. In June 1917, when the royal family stopped using their German names and titles and adopted the more British-sounding "Windsor", Prince Louis of Battenberg became Louis Mountbatten and was created Marquess of Milford Haven. Despite their age difference of more than 48 years, Lord Mountbatten had a very tight relationship with his great-nephew, Prince Charles. Queen Victoria's great grandson, and a distant cousin of Queen Elizabeth, he was a high-ranking member of the military and a well-regarded diplomat before his assassination, which the Provisional IRA called an "execution" and claimed to have facilitated. The 30-year violent confrontation between the Irish Republican Army and Britain, known as The Troubles (1968 - 1998), had many casualties, but perhaps none were more public than Lord Louis Mountbatten's death on August 27, 1979. Career highlights: Supreme Allied Commander South-East Asia (1943–46), last Viceroy of India (1947), first Governor-General of the Dominion of India (1947–48) and Chief of the Defence Staff (1959–65), Parents: Prince Louis of Battenberg and Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine. "There were also allegations that Wilson was a Soviet agent. Please enter your number below. Enter your email address now to receive news, features, podcasts and more, Thanks for signing up to receive our royal newsletter, Register to HistoryExtra now to manage your newsletter preferences, By entering your details, you are agreeing to HistoryExtra's terms and conditions. The Queen's cousin, Lord Louis Mountbatten, has been killed by a bomb blast on his boat in Ireland. It is believed the assassination team actually comprised six people, including several women as watchers, but there has never been sufficient evidence to charge them. Lord Mountbatten's death stunned the world but especially the royal family -- in particular, Prince Charles, who thought of Mountbatten as a grandfather and wept at his funeral. "Lord Mountbatten, more than any other of the war-time leaders, was the hero of my generation.". It had somewhat of the opposite impact, causing the government to more directly oppose the IRA, while ratcheting up the tension between the two powers. Lord Mountbatten was said to have finally confronted her, and after an emotional showdown the couple reportedly agreed on an open marriage - as divorce was too much of a … The Crown is not the only piece of media to delve into his assassination. In short, yes. You can follow him on Twitter @andrewlownie. Eighteen British soldiers were killed and six were seriously injured, making it the deadliest attack on the British Army during The Troubles. Against that backdrop, Mountbatten, who had always harbored politi… They have three kids together; Nicholas Knatchbull, Lord Brabourne, Lady Alexandra Hooper and The Hon. Lord Mountbatten’s political ambition. Lord Mountbatten (played by Charles Dance in The Crown cast) was assassinated during the August Bank Holiday of 1979, and in the Netflix royal biopic his death proves a … Did Lord Mountbatten consider the coup against Harold Wilson? Since he was assassinated, Mountbatten has been honored by Royal Family members including Prince Charles, who he was close with, and Prince William, who reportedly named his son Louis after him. In 1978 an attempt to shoot him on Shadow V had been aborted when choppy seas prevented the sniper lining up his target, and the same year a loosened bung was found on the boat. Monday 27 August 1979, a Bank Holiday, was a gloriously sunny day. Lord Louis Mountbatten was a pivotal figure in the history of the British monarchy. Throughout Lord Mountbatten… Lord Louis Mountbatten was killed by members of the IRA during the period of conflict known as The Troubles, and his 1979 death sent shockwaves through the U.K.; He was a leader during World War II, and served as both India's last viceroy and first governor-general. A lot of how The Crown portrays the death of Lord Mountbatten is accurate. The Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Airey Neave, had been assassinated by the Irish National Liberation Army in March 1979 and Mountbatten had been warned by those responsible for his protection that there was a plot to assassinate a member of the royal family – probably him – and he was told not to go to Ireland that year. Lord Mountbatten's assassination in 1979, therefore, has major reverberations on the show's characters and decisions.In fact, it may be what brought Prince Charles and his wife, Princess Diana, together.Per Tina Brown's The Diana Chronicles, a year after the funeral, Diana Spencer told Charles: “You looked so sad when you walked up the aisle at Mountbatten’s funeral. The Queen and Porchie did go on a fact-finding tour of various stables in 1969. Could it be he didn’t want too much scrutiny? Per Irish Central, Mountbatten had been an IRA target for a long time, and an assassination attempt in 1978 was called off because of weather. "He was always an innovator, ahead of his time, always a tremendous enthusiast, and we were inspired by his example," naval chief Admiral Sir Terence Lewin told the Washington Post in 1979. You're now subscribed to our newsletter. The assassination of Mountbatten was the first blow struck against the British royal family by the IRA during its long terrorist campaign to drive the British out of Northern Ireland and unite it with the Republic of Ireland to the south. The Crown Creator on Diana & Meghan's Royal Exits, What We Know About Seasons 5 and 6 of "The Crown". However, it was a much shorter trip just to France. Edwina’s death was a bitter blow to Mountbatten and he was overwhelmed with the numerous telegrams of condolence from Heads of State, politicians and Servicemen and women throughout the World. She is the only non-relative on the list of guests. Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas Mountbatten, 1. Our editors handpick the products that we feature. Earl Mountbatten of Burma, KG, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, DSO, PC (* 25. Then, there was a deadly silence. He was the first member of the British Royal Family who was murdered by the IRA. Save up to 72% and get your first 6 issues for only £9.99! Mountbatten was praised for his military leadership and skills of diplomacy. His second son acquired the courtesy titleLord Louis Mountbat… Nationalist and religious motivations were at play with The Troubles, as those who wanted Northern Ireland to remain in the U.K. were largely Protestant, while those who wanted it to join the rest of Ireland were primarily Roman Catholic. There was again talk of a military coup, with rumours of Lord Mountbatten as head of an interim administration after Wilson had been deposed. Everything you ever wanted to know about... Lord Mountbatten: Did Prince Philip’s uncle attempt to lead a coup against Harold Wilson’s government? It led to the creation of Northern Ireland's devolved government system and was passed by a vote both in that country and Ireland. The history of Ireland: 11 milestone moments, The Queen’s “rebel sister”: 8 facts about Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip: 8 milestones in their marriage, Opposing the royals: a brief history of republicanism in Britain. "There’s a scene where Charles is reading a letter he received from him after he died and there I am, sat on a plane, reading the letter and I didn’t just cry, I sobbed," he said. Fifty pounds of gelignite exploded, sending showers of timber, metal, cushions, lifejackets and shoes into the air. He held additional titles including lord lieutenant of the Isle of Wight and chief of the United Kingdom Defense Staff. Months after the passing of his confidant, Prince Charles spoke at a memorial service for Lord Mountbatten in London, talking about his leadership acumen and demeanor. Mountbatten was posted as midshipman to the battlecruiser HMS Lion in July 1916 and, after seeing action in August 1916, transferred to the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth during the closing phases of the First World War. You will shortly receive a receipt for your purchase via email. Prince Philip's funeral will have only one non-relative among the 30 individuals allowed to be at the ceremony due to the COVID-19 guidelines and she is none other than Countess Mountbatten of Burma, mostly known to … A 1979 Washington Post article described the scene at the Mountbatten funeral ceremony as "...the most solemn state occasion here since the death of Winston Churchill in 1965." According to the CBC, the goal of killing Mountbatten was likely to inspire the British public to demand that troops leave Northern Ireland. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Why was Lord Mountbatten, Prince Charles’s great-uncle, assassinated? In 1974 the Army occupied Heathrow Airport on the grounds of training for possible IRA terrorist action at the airport. With The Crown's 4th season premiering on November 15, here is what to know about Lord Mountbatten's death, its ripple effects throughout England, and how it figures into the series' storylines. The circumstances of his death are covered in season 4 of "The Crown.". Read everything you need to know about season 4 of The Crown – plus our exclusive episode guides – here. There seems to be a problem, please try again. The background to Mountbatten’s death more than 40 years later continues to generate theories. Quiz: Would you have been accused of witchcraft? In the show he is … Also watching the progress of the boat through binoculars were another two pairs of eyes – belonging to members of the Provisional IRA. First featured in season 1 (portrayed by Greg Wise), and subsequently appearing in season 3 with Charles Dance in the role, Mountbatten has been an important supporting character on The Crown. The official website for BBC History Magazine and BBC History Revealed, Try 6 issues of BBC History Magazine or BBC History Revealed for only £9.99, The assassination of Prince Charles’s great-uncle and confidant, Lord Mountbatten, at the hands of the IRA in 1979, rocked the royal family. Lord Mountbatten, the Prince of Wales' great uncle and mentor, came close to leading a group of industrialists, generals and tycoons in the coup to replace then Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Here's the true story behind the TV show. Meanwhile many of the government files which might provide insight and explanation remain closed under various Freedom of Information exemptions or have been destroyed. Their team managed to get past the patrolling guards in order to install explosives. A former military policeman, Graham Yuill, has since gone public saying that he was brought in to make a security assessment that summer. That evening, he wrote in his journal “Life will never be the same now that he has gone.”. You can unsubscribe at any time. An inflection point in the history of Britain and Northern Ireland, the death of Lord Mountbatten is among the most significant political assassinations of the last 50 years. Given the enhanced threat, why wasn’t Mountbatten better protected in 1979? The IRA claimed almost immediately that they had committed the assassination by placing a large, remote control bomb on his boat. The grief of the queen, Prince Philip, and Prince Charles was palpable as well. Mountbatten war Onkel v… You have successfully linked your account! He was a leader in the Royal Navy during World War II, and afterwards served as both India's viceroy while it was still under British control and its governor-general when it was made independent. Mysteries remain. Holland, who was planning a book on the Mountbatten murder, was found dead one morning in his prison cell. This content is imported from YouTube. At 11.30am, Mountbatten boarded Shadow V along with his daughter Patricia and her film-producer husband, John; John’s mother, Doreen Knatchbull, Lady Brabourne; and Patricia’s 14-year-old twins, Nicholas and Timothy, together with 15-year-old Paul Maxwell (who holidayed in the village and helped with the boat).