King Edward VIII (A Brief Bio)

Published: 14th June 2024, last updated: 10th October 2024

Introduction

King Edward VIII, born Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, was born on 23 June 1894, and ascended to the throne of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions beyond the Seas as King Edward VIII on 20 January 1936, following the death of his father, King George V. However, his reign was one of the shortest in British history, lasting only 326 days.

Edward VIII, Then Prince of Wales, circa 1920
Edward VIII, Then Prince of Wales, circa 1920
Edward VIII in 1936
Edward VIII in 1936

The Reign of Edward VIII

Edward’s reign began with considerable public enthusiasm and anticipation, however was marked by controversy due to his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who had been divorced twice. At that time, the Church of England, of which he was the titular head, did not permit the remarriage of divorced persons if their former spouses were still alive.

Edward’s intention to marry Simpson, who was still legally married to her second husband, caused a constitutional crisis and a profound rift between Edward and his government which lead to his abdication on 11 December 1936. He famously stated in his abdication speech that he could not continue to reign “without the help and support of the woman I love.”

King Edward VIII did not have a coronation. Although he became king upon the death of his father, King George V, on 20 January 1936, Edward VIII abdicated the throne in December of the same year before his planned coronation in May 1937 could take place.

The Effect of Edward VIII’s Abdication

Following his abdication, Edward was given the title of Duke of Windsor. He married Wallis Simpson on 3 June 1937, a union that had sparked considerable controversy and was a primary reason for his abdication. The couple lived mainly in France for the remainder of their lives, with occasional visits to other countries, including the United States and various European nations. Their lifestyle was marked by a degree of luxury and social engagements, but they remained somewhat isolated from the core of the British royal family.

The abdication crisis led to significant changes in the royal family’s approach to marriage and public perception, emphasising the importance of duty and responsibility above personal desires. This event also highlighted the tension between personal happiness and public duty, a theme that would resonate in the royal family for generations to come.

Edward, Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson on their wedding date 3 June 1937

King Edward VIII’s reign is remembered as a brief but highly consequential period in British history, marked by personal drama, constitutional crisis, and lasting changes to the monarchy. His decision to abdicate not only altered the line of succession but also set a precedent for how future royal marriages would be scrutinised and managed. The impact of his abdication continues to be a topic of discussion and analysis, reflecting its profound influence on the British monarchy and its traditions.

Edward, Duke of Windsor, passed away on 28 May 1972, in Paris, France, after a long battle with throat cancer. His wife, Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, lived for several more years, passing away on 24 April 1986, also in Paris. The couple is buried side by side in the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, near Windsor Castle, symbolising their enduring connection despite the controversies that surrounded their lives.

King George VI

Succession

Edward VIII’s abdication had significant ramifications for the British monarchy and the line of succession. Edward’s successor was his younger brother, who became King George VI. Born Albert Frederick Arthur George, he was known informally as “Bertie” within the royal family. He was born on 14 December 1895, and was never expected to become king, as he was the second son of King George V.

The unexpected turn of events thrust him into a role he had not anticipated, requiring him to navigate the complexities of a nation still reeling from the effects of World War I and on the brink of World War II. His ascension to the throne marked a period of significant change and adaptation for the monarchy. King George VI had to overcome personal challenges, including a severe stammer, which he worked diligently to manage with the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue. His reign was characterized by a strong sense of duty and commitment to his country, earning him widespread respect and admiration.

The Year of the 3 Kings

1936 in the United Kingdom was a unique and tumultuous period in its monarchy, often referred to as “the year of the three kings.” This unprecedented year saw the reigns of three different monarchs: King George V, who passed away on 20 January; his son, King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne on 11 December to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée; and finally, King George VI, who ascended the throne on 11 December following his brother’s abdication. This series of events marked a significant chapter in British history, highlighting the complexities and challenges of royal succession.

What you should do next...

  1. Browse our plots to claim your title of Lord or Lady of the Glen
  2. Discover the masjetic Kilnaish Estate
  3. View our fun gifts and accessories, inspired by the Scottish Highlands