My Grandparents’ War

The Spy Who Was Kit Harington’s Grandfather

Professor Richard Aldrich tells actor Kit Harington about his grandfather’s time in the British Intelligence Service during World War II. John Harington was stationed in Jamaica as an agent of MI5 and MI6 to keep an eye on Edward, Duke of Windsor — Nazi sympathizer and former King of England, who abdicated his throne and served as governor of the Bahamas during the war.

The Spy Who Was Kit Harington’s Grandfather

2m 44s

  • Keira Knightley: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Keira Knightley

    S2 E2 - 43m 54s

    Actress Keira Knightley (Pride and Prejudice, Atonement) has starred in several films set during World War II, yet admits she never knew much about her grandparents’ actual wartime experiences. Now, through conversations with family members and historians, she learns of the triumphs and tragedies her grandparents faced during some of the biggest conflicts of the century.

  • Kit Harington: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Kit Harington

    S2 E1 - 41m 52s

    Actor Kit Harington, who has played soldiers, spies, and – in "Game of Thrones" – warriors, discovers that his grandparents played comparable roles in their real lives during WWII. Speaking with family members and historians, he gains a new appreciation of the courage and sacrifice all four grandparents shared as they fought for their country and for a cause.

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