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.

She formed close ties with politicians, diplomats, and even the Hungarian chef of Churchill’s son. At first, her relationships seemed driven by personal attraction, but MI5 suspected she was actually seeking access to military secrets. Cleverly, she avoided studying acquired documents in her hotel room, instead reviewing them at exclusive hair salons to evade potential surveillance. Her diplomatic contacts also provided a secure way for her to send correspondence, as sealed diplomatic pouches were beyond the reach of British intelligence.

Arrest and a surprising twist

In 1941, MI5 finally decided to arrest Manci, but their plan fell short—concrete evidence of espionage was never found. Instead, she was imprisoned in the notorious Holloway Prison on charges of “moral misconduct,” according to the BBC. However, due to the lack of proof, she was released after just five months. Records later revealed that she consistently denied any wrongdoing and even portrayed herself as a patriot. Nevertheless, British intelligence remained sceptical—MI5 itself dubbed her the “Hungarian Mata Hari.”

Vanishing from the world stage

By 1945, Manci divorced her increasingly impoverished husband, abandoned Weisblatt, and disappeared with the help of her diplomatic contacts. Rumours suggested she travelled to Australia, where she reportedly married a Brazilian diplomat. Her name surfaced occasionally in international news, particularly when she sent food packages to post-war Britain during its economic hardships. After that, however, she vanished completely. Some believe her diplomat husband was later assigned to Sweden and that she moved there with him, leaving behind no further trace—her life swallowed by the intricate world of espionage.

An enduring mystery

Declassified wartime intelligence files from Britain’s National Archives ultimately supported the theory that Manci had indeed been a spy—just one so skilled that MI5 could never prove her guilt. This stands in contrast to the Dutch Mata Hari, who was executed on much flimsier evidence amid the hysteria of war.

Manci’s story remains one of spy history’s great enigmas, filled with astonishing turns. It demonstrates how intelligence, charm, and strategic instincts can sometimes outmanoeuvre even the most sophisticated intelligence agencies—and that, on occasion, the most unlikely stories turn out to be true.

Budapest Airport unveils record-breaking summer flight schedule: 200 routes to 136 global destinations

Attention! Here is how Budapest public transport prices will increase from 1 June