Despite Edwina’s infidelities, the Mountbattens remained together - anything else would be scandal and threaten their position in society.  The couple were an influential match, his looks and Royal pedigree, her looks and wealth, and an invitation to a party hosted by the Mountbattens would mean mixing with rising politicians, theatre and film stars including Douglas Fairbanks (1883-1939) or Sir Noël Coward (1899-1973).

In May 1930, Edwina attended the opening night of a new production of Shakespeare’s “Othello”, starring the American black actor Paul Robeson (1898-1976), who fascinated Edwina and she subsequently introduced him to London society, but gossips suggested that she and Robeson were lovers.  Edwina - despite the certain controversy, became friends with the Grenadian black singer Leslie “Hutch” Hutchinson (1900-1969), who was an immensely popular entertainer and a favourite of Mountbatten’s cousin “David” (HRH The Prince of Wales (subsequently HM King Edward VIII (1894(1936)1972) and later HRH The Duke of Windsor).  

However the newspaper “The People” printed an article hinting that “one of the leading hostesses in the country,  a woman highly connected and immensely rich...” who had been “associating with a coloured man...” were ”caught in compromising circumstances”.  The article went  on to indicate that the said hostess had been forced to leave the country for a few years to let the scandal “blow over” and that “a quarter which cannot be ignored” (ie. Buckingham Palace) had forced the hostess to leave England.  

Edwina’s relationship with “Hutch” was brought to public prominence again in November 2008, when UK’s Channel 4 broadcast a documentary on his life entitled “High Society’s Favourite Gigolo”.  The programme showed how the two were lovers and how their relationship ultimately ruined his life - leading to social ostracism and the destruction of his professional career.  

The Mountbattens took the newspaper to Court and sued for libel, explaining that as Mountbatten was a serving officer in the Royal Navy, stationed in Malta - the fact that Edwina had come to Malta could be nothing more than a loving wife, joining her husband.  The Mountbattens won the case, the paper issued a full apology and retraction, but Edwina refused all damages.  The result of the case affected Edwina’s position at Court, as she was practically banned from the Court of HM King George V (1865(1910-1936).  “Hutch” never recovered from the case, as he could not understand how Edwina could deny knowing him, despite many people seeing him at her parties.  Of course Mountbatten was concerned that this controversy would affect his chances of promotion and risked their much needed connection to the Court.  Mountbatten’s marriage at this time became strained and behind closed doors, perhaps on the verge of collapse.

The Abdication of “David” - HM King Edward VIII (1894(1936)1972) and later HRH The Duke of Windsor, following his desire to marry the twice divorced American – Mrs Wallis Simpson (1896-1986) caused many of the family to take sides, and although the Mountbattens remained in touch with the Windsors, they were not as close to the new King - HM King George VI (1895(1936-1952), and the new King and Queen saw any close friends of the Windsors with suspicion.