Nehru had an affair with Mrs. Mountbatten, and Mountbatten chose to accept it after knowing the situation. It sounds like an unbelievable storyline. We generally believe that marriage should be based on loyalty, trust and respect. If a spouse is found cheating, most people will react with shock, anger, and may even choose to divorce. However, in this history, General Mountbatten made a puzzling decision. As a soldier in a high position, he tolerated his wife's brotherly relationship with Nehru. What's the story behind this? Why did General Mountbatten react so unexpectedly? Is it out of deep love for his wife or is there something else hidden? Let's find out.
Mountbatten's love affair with Edwina
On June 25, 1900, Mountbatten was born in Windsor, England, into a royal family. He received the best education in high society since he was a child, grew up in a privileged environment, chic and handsome, and was very likable from an early age. At the age of 13, he was admitted to the prestigious Royal Navy Cadet School in Osborne. Immediately after graduation, Mountbatten served on battleships, opening his own path to accumulating military experience.
After the end of the First World War, Mountbatten was sent to Cambridge University for further study as an outstanding naval talent. Not only did he succeed in his studies, but he quickly rose through the ranks to become a captain in the navy and accompanied the Prince of Wales on his voyages, giving him his first taste of diplomacy. Mountbatten seems to be the pride of the sky, and his career is developing rapidly, and his prospects are limitless.
However, it was at this time that Mountbatten met his own muse, Edwina. Edwina was born into a famous family, the granddaughter of the famous British financial advisor Sir Ernest Cassel. She not only has a noble and elegant temperament, but also has a natural humility and courtesy. Her tall figure, fair skin, reddish-brown hair, coupled with keen intelligence and excellent social skills, have made her the object of pursuit of countless young gentlemen.
In 1920, at an upper-class ball, the two met and fell in love at first sight. Mountbatten had a secret admiration for Edwina's beauty and intelligence, and Edwina was fascinated by the elegant and handsome young officer. The two looked at each other and smiled, and fell in love. Mountbatten called Edwina his "Daughter of Destiny", and the two quickly established a relationship and began a sweet love.
In 1922, Mountbatten and Edwina got married. Since then, they have spent every stage of their lives together. During World War II, Mountbatten fought bravely as the commander of the Allied forces in Southeast Asia, while Edwina was in charge of the wounded soldiers hospital and the Red Cross, supporting her husband behind the scenes. The two trust each other and support each other, and they can be called a model couple.
After the war, Mountbatten took over as Viceroy of India. Although he was a little reluctant in his heart, based on the concept of military discipline, he went to India in February 1947 to take up his new post in the company of his wife. At that time, the situation in India was extremely tense, and Mountbatten was overworked and physically and mentally exhausted. Edwina was very distressed when she saw this, so she launched a series of medical charity activities in India in order to share her husband's worries. It was in this context that the two formed a deep friendship with Mahatma Gandhi.
Mr. and Mrs. Mountbatten went to India to serve as governors-general
In September 1945, World War II ended and Japan surrendered unconditionally. As the commander-in-chief of the Allied forces in the Southeast Asian theater, Mountbatten personally accepted the surrender of more than 600,000 Japanese troops on behalf of the Allies. At the same time, his wife, Edwina, was responsible for the repatriation of 120,000 Allied prisoners of war. In the last battle of the war, the two once again worked side by side and worked together to complete their duties.
However, just as the aftermath of victory lingered, the Mountbattens soon faced a new challenge. In February 1947, Mountbatten was appointed Viceroy of India. Mountbatten was actually a little hesitant about this important task. Years of war had drained his enthusiasm, and he just wanted to rest and not go to a foreign country to take up a new job. But as a soldier, he eventually obeyed the orders of his superiors.
In this way, Mountbatten, accompanied by his wife Edwina, came to the subcontinent of India. At that time, the situation in India was extremely tense, and the pain of the partition of India and Pakistan was felt throughout the country, and there was a risk of conflict breaking out at any time. As Governor, Mountbatten lived in dire straits every day. In order to be able to transfer power peacefully, he worked tirelessly, and his body became thinner and thinner.
Seeing her husband working so hard, Edwina was deeply distressed. She was determined to do what she could to help Mountbatten. As a result, Edwina began to carry out public welfare activities in medical institutions and charitable organizations across India, hoping to bring her husband closer to the upper class of Indian society and remove obstacles to her husband's work.
Sure enough, Edwina's kindness and charisma soon won favor in Indian society. Soon after, she formed a deep friendship with Gandhi, the leader of the Indian national liberation movement and revered as the "Mahatma". Gandhi admired Edwina's noble character and excellent work ability, and the two met late.
With Edwina's quiet support, Mountbatten's work is finally getting better. Gradually, the relationship between the Indian upper class and the Mountbattens became much more harmonious. However, at this moment, a sudden episode shattered the quiet life of the Mountbattens...
Nehru's spiritual love affair with Edwina
Like Mountbatten, Nehru came from a prominent family in India's upper class. His father was the famous nationalist leader Mauhan Nehru, and his family was well-off. Nehru received a good education from an early age, and at the age of 14 he was sent to Cambridge, England for further study. During his time at Cambridge, he not only succeeded in his studies, but also joined the Indian student movement and began to be involved in Indian independence affairs.
In 1912, Nehru returned to India after completing his studies. He soon rose to prominence in the political arena with his outstanding abilities and became the backbone of the Indian national liberation movement. At the same time, he also got acquainted with Gandhi, a national hero. Under Gandhi's tutelage, Nehru grew into a visionary statesman who lived by his convictions.
In 1947, with the advent of India's independence, Nehru finally waited for the day when he had his most pockets. In the years leading up to this, Nehru had been campaigning across the country for India's independence. It was in this process that he became acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Mountbatten.
At first, Nehru and Mountbatten had a very good relationship. As Governor-General, Mountbatten held Nehru in high esteem as India's future leader. Nehru also had reverence for the general who had served the Allied nations on the battlefield. Both sides see each other as reliable friends and allies.
Over time, however, Nehru developed a different kind of affection for Edwina. This wise, kind-hearted lady with a sense of justice gave Nehru unprecedented spiritual comfort. During the long and arduous road of independence, Edwina's selfless support and encouragement became the greatest motivation for Nehru to persevere.
In this way, a purely spiritual love relationship slowly grew between the two. Nehru often fantasized to himself how lucky he would be if he could one day be married to this wise and virtuous woman. And Edwina was undoubtedly attracted by Nehru's humble and unpretentious character.
In order to have more opportunities to be alone, Nehru and Edwina began to secretly date in some private settings. They would avoid Mountbatten's gaze and spend some solitary time in groups talking to each other. The content of the conversation was nothing more than a vision of ideals and careers, as well as appreciation and admiration for each other.
At one point, Nehru even quietly confessed his feelings for Edwina to her. Although the relationship ended without a hitch, Edwina was still moved. She decided to keep this secret in her heart for the time being, and not let outsiders know.
From then on, Nehru began to seek Edwina's company more often in public. Sometimes she donates to charities she is involved in, and sometimes invites her to her own gatherings, giving her enough attention and respect. And Edwina also responded to Nehru's favor in her own unique way...
Mountbatten's tolerance for his wife's cheating
Although both Nehru and Edwina tried to hide their actions, Mountbatten, as Edwina's husband, finally found some clues. Some subtle signs and signs gave him the suspicion that his wife might be having an affair with Nehru.
Surprisingly, though, Mountbatten didn't blame him. Instead, he opted for tolerance and inclusion. As a soldier, Mountbatten values honor and trust. He believed that his wife must have her own reasons and would not easily do things that were immoral. Moreover, Mountbatten had a close relationship with Nehru and had great respect for the future Indian leader.
It was out of this silent trust that Mountbatten did not choose to question his wife directly, but took the initiative to create more opportunities for Edwina and Nehru to be alone. Sometimes, he would deliberately leave home for a period of time to make room for the two of them; Sometimes they will take the initiative to make way for them in public places so that they can interact with each other.
Mountbatten's thoughtfulness towards Madame stemmed for a number of reasons. First, Edwina was a very virtuous wife. Mountbatten loved her dearly and didn't want to hurt her feelings because of some household chores. Second, since he accepted the post of Governor-General, he was obliged to assist the people of India in realizing their aspirations for independence. If not handled properly, it could affect the peaceful transfer of power.
Therefore, Mountbatten chose tolerance and concession. He acquiesced in the ambiguous relationship between his wife and Nehru, which not only showed trust in his wife, but also cleared the way for a future transfer of power.
Soon, with Mountbatten's acquiescence, Edwina and Nehru became more in contact. The two often talk intimately in formal settings, and even have long conversations when they meet by chance. Mountbatten turned a blind eye to this, trusting them to be just ordinary friends.
On August 15, 1948, India finally became independent and Nehru became its first prime minister. At the Independence Pledge Conference, Nehru personally expressed his heartfelt thanks to Mountbatten. Mountbatten was also pleased that India's national liberation had come to a successful conclusion. The relationship between the two is still as close as ever.
That's when something unexpected happened. Edwina was killed in a car accident while on a car trip. This was undoubtedly a huge blow to Mountbatten, and he almost lost his life. And Nehru was shocked and saddened when he learned the bad news.
Mountbatten's life was gloomy for the next few years, and he choked up and wept at his wife's memorial service. Nehru, in order to express his condolences, personally praised Edwina's charisma at a press conference. He said: "It is sad that Mrs. Mountbatten is one of the closest friends of my life, and that she has virtue and wisdom that is unparalleled in the world. ＂
Nehru remembers Edwina
Edwina's death was undoubtedly a big blow to Mountbatten, but for Nehru, the impact was no small few. Although the two did not develop further in their relationship, Edwina's moral support for Nehru was indelible. It was her inspiration and friendship that gave Nehru the courage to persevere in the final stages of the independence movement.
The loss of this friendship naturally left Nehru deeply saddened. He distinctly remembered that it was Edwina's words and advice that gave him the strength to move forward at the most critical time. Without her, perhaps Nehru would not have been able to fulfill his ideals and make a final effort for the cause of national liberation.
Yes, Edwina was like a wise man, showing him the way. Nehru had mixed feelings about her. At her memorial service, Nehru looked unusually sad. He covered Edwina's coffin with flowers, and two lines of tears welled up in his eyes.
"Lady Edwina has been thinking about others all her life and has never been concerned about her own interests. In his eulogy, Nehru said, "She loved peace, was friendly, righteous and was a woman of par excellence. We should all learn from her and follow her example. ＂
Shortly after Edwina's death, Mountbatten stepped down as governor and left India for England. As the leader of India's nascent regime, Nehru's intersection with Mountbatten inevitably decreased. But he was always grateful, regarded Mountbatten as one of the heroes of India's independence, and always held him in high esteem.
Nehru died in office in 1965. The last time he mentioned Edwina was in a letter to his daughter. "Edwina was my closest friend, and her passing left me without a soulmate forever. In his letter, Nehru wrote, "What a kind, courageous, and intelligent person she was." I will always miss her. ＂
A few years later, when news came that Mountbatten had also died in England, Nehru had been dead for many years. But Nehru's younger generation, such as Yingluck Gandhi and others, have a deep respect for the efforts of the Mountbattens. They are well aware that it was Mountbatten's wise handling at a critical moment that finally allowed India to achieve peaceful independence.
As for the ambiguous relationship between Edwina and Nehru, it has long been ignored in the long course of history. She is remembered only for her wisdom, kindness, helpfulness, and contribution to the cause of Indian independence. This noble lady has remained forever in the memory of the Indian nation.