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Today in History: Mandy Rice-Davies quips iconic line at Ward trial

6/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In 1963, during the trial of osteopath Stephen Ward—central to the Profumo affair—model Mandy Rice-Davies answered accusations about a powerful man with the now-famous retort “Well he would, wouldn’t he?” The quip captured public scepticism and underscored the scandal that toppled John Profumo and weakened Macmillan’s government.

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Story summary

In 1963, during the trial of osteopath Stephen Ward—central to the Profumo affair—model Mandy Rice-Davies answered accusations about a powerful man with the now-famous retort “Well he would, wouldn’t he?” The quip captured public scepticism and underscored the scandal that toppled John Profumo and weakened Macmillan’s government.