The Butterfly King

By: Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts
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  • Summary

  • When King Boris III of Bulgaria dies amid mysterious circumstances during World War II, there's no shortage of suspects. But eighty years later, his death remains unsolved. Award-winning journalist Becky Milligan follows a trail of dissidents, poisoners, soldiers and spies to unravel eighty years of lies and cover-ups. This tragic family saga of a doomed royal dynasty is a story of treachery, deceit and a quest for the truth. Who killed the Butterfly King? The Butterfly King is a podcast from Exactly Right, produced by Blanchard House.
    2025 Exactly Right Media – the original true crime comedy network
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Episodes
  • Introducing: The Butterfly King

    Introducing: The Butterfly King
    Feb 29 2024

    Introducing The Butterfly King, a World War II murder mystery from Blanchard House and Exactly Right Media, home of My Favorite Murder, premiering Thursday, March 21.

    Award-winning journalist Becky Milligan follows a trail of dissidents, poisoners, soldiers and spies to unravel eighty years of lies and cover-ups around the mysterious death of King Boris III of Bulgaria. The Second World War is raging when the king suddenly dies amid mysterious circumstances. There’s no shortage of suspects. This tragic family saga of a doomed royal dynasty is a story of treachery, deceit and a quest for the truth. Who killed the Butterfly King?

    Follow the show today and don’t miss the premiere of The Butterfly King on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    2 mins
  • 1: The Mender of Broken Dishes

    1: The Mender of Broken Dishes
    Mar 21 2024

    It’s 1943 during a crucial turning point in the Second World War. Caught in the crossfire, King Boris III of Bulgaria has a make-or-break meeting with a key ally. Boris is a reluctant politician and a family man, sucked into the bloodiest conflict in history. Someone resents his influence and wants him out of the way for good. Could Boris’s fate be linked to the company he keeps?

    The Butterfly King is a production of Blanchard House and Exactly Right Media.

    From Blanchard House

    Host: Becky Milligan

    Writer and Producer: Emma Jane Kirby

    Original Music: Daniel Lloyd Evans, Louis Nanke-Mannell and Toby Matimong

    Sound Design and Engineering: Toby Matimong and Daniel Lloyd-Evans

    Managing Producer: Amica Sciortino Nowlan

    Creative Director: Rosie Pye

    Executive Producer and Head of Content: Laurence Grissell

    From Exactly Right

    Consulting Producer: Kyle Ryan

    Artwork: Vanessa Lilak

    Executive Producers: Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark and Danielle Kramer

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    47 mins
  • 2: Lies, Lies, Lies

    2: Lies, Lies, Lies
    Mar 21 2024

    Host Becky Milligan meets King Boris III’s children at Vrana Palace, a royal residence on the outskirts of Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city. The children share the details of their father’s strange and painful death. Officially he dies of a heart attack, but the symptoms don’t add up. What—or who—is responsible? Becky speaks to witnesses who explain how Boris duped Hitler. But the discovery of a dusty document, thousands of miles from Bulgaria, makes Becky wonder if she’s way off course.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    55 mins
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Profile Image for Holly L

Sooooo Great

I read and listen to WWII history as much as I can. Not sure how I hadn't heard of the King Boris III. It is a fascinating story. I love how they were unbiased even though they may have wanted to paint him as a just a hero. Highly recommend for history fans or just fans of interesting story.

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Profile Image for Elene

Fascinating

I am thoroughly enjoying the storytelling, and World War II is my favorite time in history. 

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Profile Image for Jessica

this is the most interesting podcast

this story is told in an amazing manner. I was intrigued the whole time!

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Profile Image for Chris E

Only just started, but its intriguing

I've studied WWII Europe for over half my life, as well as being a true crime enthusiast. . This is a new and interesting story that tics both boxes. I can't wait to hear how it plays out.

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