The story of Edward and Wallis is a true example of love versus duty.
Edward, born in 1894, was the eldest son of King George V. His family affectionately called him David, and they were believed to be very close. As he was approaching his 40th birthday, there was concern that he was still unmarried. He was enjoying the partying lifestyle of a prince in the fashionable London set just a little too much.
He found love
In 1934, his life turned upside down when he fell in love with an American socialite, Wallis Warfield Simpson. She loved the party lifestyle too. This was on her second marriage to an English businessman, after divorcing a US Navy pilot.
Of course the royal family, many politicians and a large majority of the population disapproved of this union. But two years later Edward had shared his intentions of marrying his then married mistress. Sadly he was not able to discuss his dilemma with his father. George V died in January 1936 and Edward was proclaimed King of England.
Overall, Edward was a popular man. He moved in ‘important’ circles with ease, and was known for having the ‘common touch’. The date for the new king’s coronation was set for May 1937.
King of England
Edward VII ruled as King of England. But his relationship with Wallis Simpson proved to be a very difficult situation. The American and Continental media reported the affair. Because Mrs Simpson had started her divorce proceedings, the media flames were fuelled. The Church of England made its position known too. This woman was an unacceptable prospect as a future British queen. Interestingly, a Conservative backbencher, Winston Churchill, was one of the few politicians to support Edward during this time.
No solution could be found for this predicament. The scandal had broken through the British press’s ‘gentleman’s agreement’ not to publish the story. So, on 11th December, Edward stepped out to address the nation through a radio address:
“I have found it impossible to carry on the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge the duties of king, as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love.”
The following day, his younger brother stepped up from the position of Duke of York, to take his position as King George VI. Parliament approved the abdication. In less than a year Edward VIII’s reign came to an abrupt end.
The Duke & Duchess
Edward and Wallis were given the titles of Duke and Duchess of Windsor by the king. In less than 6 months they were married at the Château de Cande in the Loire Valley, in France.
They loved France and set up a home in Paris, enjoying the lifestyle of the upper class on the Continent. On a visit to Germany the Duke even met with Adolph Hitler, and was honoured by Nazi officials. His connections were a strong consideration to have him appointed as a French liaison officer. But after the German occupation of France, the Windsors fled to Spain.
Kidnap
The British government got word that there was a plot to kidnap the Windsors. The plan of the kidnappers was to overthrow the British monarch and put Edward on the throne as their puppet. But George VI and his prime minister, Winston Churchill, aware of his Nazi sympathies. They moved quickly to offer Edward a position in the West Indies, as part of the government of the Bahamas. Edward and Wallis managed to leave from Lisbon just as a Nazi SS Team had been dispatched to seize them.
Return to Europe
The pair missed France. In 1945 they resigned from the post in the Bahamas and returned to Paris. Edward made a few visits to England. He was also able to attend the funerals of King George VI in 1952 and that of his mother, Queen Mary, in 1953.
In 1967, Edward and his duchess were invited by the royal family to the unveiling and dedication of a plaque to Queen Mary. This was the first official public function they had been invited to since the abdication.
Edward & Wallis Return to Windsor
Edward died in Paris in 1972 and was laid to rest at Frogmore, on the grounds of Windsor Castle. When Wallis Simpson died 14 years later, she was buried by his side.
Edward served as King of England, but was never crowned. His story is a passionate one as he chose love over duty. He was also the first English monarch to abandon the throne voluntarily.
The British public were outraged by the whole situation, and felt that he should’ve shown a greater sense of loyalty to his people. But no one can deny that we love a happy ending. We all admire the man who stood up for what he believed to be right for himself – in his mind, but most importantly, in his heart.
I too, made a decision to ‘Follow my Path’
