The fifth season of The Crown brought up the name of one of the forgotten characters of royalty: Sidney Johnson, who was the valet to the former King of England, Edward, Duke of Windsor.
The third episode called “Mou Mou”, tells the story of how Mohamed Al-Fayed built his empire and also exposes the life of Johnson whose relationship with the monarchy began when he was just a teenager.
Some time after Edward abdicated the throne in order to marry Wallis Simpson, Queen Elizabeth’s uncle was appointed governor of the Bahamas. During his stay there he met Sidney Johnson. He was born in 1921 on Andros, the largest island in the Bahamas and at the age of 16 began his long journey with the Duke of Windsor.
How long did Sydney Johnson work with Edward VIII?
With great training Sidney Johnson became Edward’s valet and worked at his side for 30 years until 1972 when the ex-king died.
Sidney’s loyalty was not enough to remain in his position, Wallis Simpson’s behavior led him to leave his job.
Did Sidney Johnson have a family?
Although the series does not reveal any family, in 1960 Johnson married and had children, his wife became ill shortly after Edward’s death and died. He asked the Duchess for permission to take care of his children, but she refused, which caused his departure from Villa Windsor, a place he was particularly fond of and to which he would return shortly after, but with another boss.
This is how Sydney Johnson and Mohamed Al-Fayed’s relationship developed.
The series states that the valet began working for the Al-Fayed family at a gala, but the exact date and circumstance of how he came to provide his services is a mystery. However, his work for the Egyptian businessman began in the 1980s.
Johnson returned to a valet position for the tycoon and the two developed a great friendship. Al-Fayed bought Villa Windsor and was in charge of its restoration and his assistant became a great advisor.
In an interview for The New York Times he declared that Sydney “is a dictionary.” He added: “He’s a very learned man. He got all this stuff out of boxes and safes and warehouses, and he knows his history.”
How did Sydney Johnson die?
Although the exact reason was not specified, his death occurred in 1990, shortly after the restoration of Villa Windsor was completed. As reported by AP, he died suddenly at the age of 69. Other media reported that it was due to natural causes.
The Egyptian businessman said in farewell that Johnson “was truly a gentleman’s gentleman. He will be greatly missed.