King George V reportedly dismissed a proposal to give HMS Eagle an additional torpedo-cruiser role as a foolish idea. Regular confidential meetings allowed the monarch to question the prime minister directly. Neither man's position depended on the other's approval, so the monarch could challenge a proposal without having to protect a ministerial career. The Eagle anecdote illustrates that informal advisory relationship after the monarchy had lost much of its formal power.
Notable Point · 11:18-12:59
How King George V could challenge a naval proposal
An HMS Eagle anecdote illustrates the blunt naval advice George V could give the prime minister in confidence.