Free Death at Glamis Castle by Robin Paige Page A

distant and distasteful memory that was awakened only by the Royal Family’s annual pilgrimage to his ornate marble tomb and occasional Royal references to “poor darling, departed Eddy.” If word got out that his death had been a sham, the revelation would have an incalculable impact upon the general public—especially now that the old Queen Victoria was dead, the new King Edward had ascended the throne, and a living Prince Eddy would stand just behind his father in the succession. An announcement that the Prince was alive would certainly cause enormous embarrassment and perhaps even the fall of the monarchy. The new King hadn’t been crowned yet, the Government held a precarious position because of protests against the war, and the whole situation was uncomfortably volatile. No wonder His Royal Majesty commanded secrecy.
    The colonel cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. “This . . . Lord Osborne. He’s the man we’re looking for, Captain?”
    â€œThat’s right.” Kirk-Smythe’s face tightened. “Lord Osborne’s likeness may be recognized, unfortunately, so we can’t put the picture out without giving away the game. In the event, he is rather changed, according to Angus Duff. His hair has grown quite gray, and he has gained a stone or more. I suggest that we rely upon a description which I have prepared and had copied for your use, Colonel Paddington. Anyone fitting Lord Osborne’s general description should be brought in for identification.”
    Recollecting his duty, the colonel put away his disbelief. “Thank you, Captain,” he said in a formal tone. “Is there anything else?”
    Kirk-Smythe paused, selecting his words carefully. “Only this, Colonel. Should your men encounter anyone speaking in a foreign accent or seeming to be a stranger to the district, he should be conveyed immediately to Brigadier Lord Sheridan for questioning. Until we get this sorted out, no one from the outside should be allowed in and no one from the inside should go out. The local men already at the observation posts can help your men identify residents of the area.” He cleared his throat. “Now, if you don’t object, I should like to have a further word with Brigadier Lord Sheridan.”
    â€œThere will no doubt be additional orders shortly, Colonel Paddington,” Charles said tactfully, “as the situation becomes somewhat clearer. Perhaps you could deploy your troops now.”
    Deployment, at least, was something the colonel understood. He stepped back, snapped a salute to Charles, nodded to Kirk-Smythe, and strode down the platform. “Sergeant-Major!” he bawled. “Get the men out. Empty the train!”

CHAPTER NINE

    [The “monster” of Glamis died some time before 1876] but the story was deliberately continued and extended in order to camouflage the latest secret: that Prince Albert Victor, Eddy, the man who should have been king, was still alive and locked away in the castle, perhaps in the very same secret parts that had once housed the so-called monster.
    Â 
The Ripper & the Royals
Melvyn Fairclough
    Â 
    Â 
The men in Germany who at the turn of the century were organising their Secret Service on a war basis had concentrated their attention on spying against Britain and by doing so had stolen an advantage in the espionage game.
    Â 
A History of the British Secret Service
Richard Deacon
    Â 
    Â 
    Â 
    Â 
    Charles turned back to Kirk-Smythe. “So Prince Eddy has been sequestered here at Glamis for the past ten years?”
    â€œIt’s true, m’lord, incredible as it may seem.”
    Charles put his hand on the younger man’s arm. “Sheridan, please, Andrew. There’s no need for formality between us.”
    Kirk-Smythe tried not to look flattered. “Right, then. Well, as you probably know, Lord Strathmore is a close friend of the King’s, and his