A Spy In Buckingham Palace

I was watching the third season of The Crown, and was shocked to learn that the art historian for Buckingham Palace was actually a spy, working for the KGB.  I quickly got on the computer to find out all the details. 

Sir Anthony Blunt was appointed Surveyor of the Kings Pictures, and kept that post for several decades, even after it was discovered he was spying for the Russians.  Blunt was actually recruited in the 1930's, but it wasn't until the early 1950's when he was appointed art historian for Buckingham Palace, that he was in a position to gain access to sensitive information.  Over the 15 years  before the truth was revealed, Blunt turned over more than 2,000 sensitive documents and bits of information to the Russians. 

Why, when Blunt was found out, was he not prosecuted and removed from his position?  The answer is that British intelligence did not want to reveal how they had let a spy into Buckingham Palace.  They determined that it would be too damaging to their reputation, so this information was kept secret until it was finally revealed by Margaret Thatcher in 1979.  At this time he was stripped of his knighthood.  When authorities originally found out Blunt was a spy, he was kept on in his position, but was obviously watched like a hawk.  Queen Elizabeth never spoke to him again.  She and her husband wanted him removed and tried for treason, but for the good of the country, they did not.

Every country has its secrets.  Sometimes we think we are the only country with scandal and intrigue.  That's just not so.  However, when you find that a Russian spy has infiltrated Buckingham Palace, it really is shocking.