The enigmatic Hungarian spy who fooled MI5: The story of Lady Howard

Spy suspicions arose in 1939 when an enraged husband complained to British intelligence that his wife had been morally corrupted by a certain Lady Howard. MI5 initially saw little cause for concern, but they kept the letter on file. It soon became clear that something about Lady Howard was indeed suspicious, and from that moment on, MI5 investigators closely monitored her every move.

From refugee to lady of the manor

At the onset of World War II, intelligence operations lacked the advanced technology we take for granted today. Without spy satellites or digital surveillance systems, intelligence agencies relied heavily on highly trained operatives who could blend seamlessly into any social circle. Who would have suspected that the woman known as Lady Howard of Effingham, who navigated high society with ease, was actually a spy?

The elegant “Lady Howard” was born Mária Malvina Gertler. She arrived in Britain as a refugee in 1935, carrying a Polish passport. However, she had actually been born in Budapest—her Polish citizenship was merely a formality, as her father had obtained the papers for her despite their lack of genuine Polish ties. Known to friends as “Manci,” she was just 27 when she married Lord Howard of Effingham, securing both British citizenship and a noble title. Later on, it was revealed that the lord himself was struggling with significant debts, making their marriage a mutually beneficial arrangement, according to Index.

The mysterious benefactor and growing suspicion

As MI5 delved deeper into Manci’s background, they discovered that a man named Edward Weisblatt played a key role in arranging her marriage. Weisblatt had funded her union with Lord Howard, providing both cash and a weekly allowance to ensure the wedding took place. He had profited greatly as an arms dealer during the Spanish Civil War, and while French intelligence warned Britain that he was likely a double agent, concrete evidence was lacking. MI5’s suspicions mounted: could Manci have been passing along intelligence through him? Answering that question, however, proved to be anything but simple.

Deceiving MI5

Despite intense scrutiny, MI5 was unable to find concrete proof against her. They monitored Manci’s daily activities and observed that she was constantly on the move—attending lavish parties, diplomatic receptions, and private clubs. She resided in a luxurious suite at the Dorchester Hotel, frequently travelled across London in Weisblatt’s Rolls-Royce, and mingled with high-ranking officers from the Royal Air Force (RAF). Surveillance notes repeatedly described her as an “innocent ingénue,” a role she adeptly played among her influential connections.