On the 3rd of June, 1937, the Duke of Windsor married Wallis Simpson. The marriage of the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII, and Wallis Simpson is one of the most infamous romances in modern history. Their union was not just a personal affair but one that had profound implications for the British monarchy. The love story of King Edward VIII and the American socialite Wallis Simpson transcended the norms of royal protocol and changed the course of British history.
Edward, the Prince of Wales, was one of the most eligible bachelors of his time. Known for his charm and charisma, he was a beloved figure both in the UK and abroad. However, his choice of partner was unexpected and controversial. Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée, was seen as an unconventional choice for a future British monarch. To many, she was perceived as an outsider, and her past marriages were viewed unfavourably by the British establishment.
Edward and Wallis met in 1931, and despite the initial societal hurdles, their relationship blossomed. Edward was utterly captivated by Wallis, who provided him with emotional support and companionship away from the rigid confines of royal duties. As their relationship developed, it became clear that Edward was willing to forsake his royal obligations for the love of Wallis.
As King Edward VIII ascended the throne in January 1936, his intentions to marry Wallis Simpson became a matter of public concern. The Church of England, of which the monarch is the Supreme Governor, did not permit divorcees to remarry in the church if their former spouses were still alive. This posed an insurmountable obstacle for Edward, who was head of the Church.
The British government, led by Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, opposed the marriage. The public and political pressure mounted, and Edward, faced with the choice between the crown and his love, chose the latter. On the 11th of December 1936, in a historic broadcast, King Edward VIII announced his abdication, stating, “I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.”
Following his abdication, Edward was given the title of Duke of Windsor. In 1937, he married Wallis Simpson in a private ceremony in France. The marriage was attended by a select group of friends, and notably absent were any members of the British royal family, highlighting the continued tension caused by their union.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s life post-abdication was marked by travel and high-profile social engagements. While they settled in France, they lived a peripatetic lifestyle, often visiting the United States and other European countries. The couple’s relationship remained strong, and they were frequently photographed together at social events, presenting a picture of a devoted partnership.
However, their association with Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany cast a long shadow over their legacy. In October 1937, the Windsors visited Germany and met with Hitler. Photographs of the meeting showed them exchanging friendly gestures, which led to widespread criticism and suspicion about their political sympathies. It was alleged that Hitler believed Edward could potentially return to the throne as a puppet monarch under Nazi influence, a claim that has been both supported and contested by historians. This association further alienated them from the British royal family and the public.
The marriage of the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson had a lasting impact on the British monarchy. It led to a re-evaluation of the relationship between personal happiness and royal duty. The abdication crisis necessitated a constitutional shift and brought about the reign of King George VI, Edward’s younger brother. In that respect Wallis Simpson did the United Kingdom a great service. We endured World War II with the best King, Queen, and Princesses we could possibly have wished for.
In the years following their marriage, as societal attitudes towards marriage and divorce evolved, the legacy of Edward and Wallis’s union became emblematic of the changing norms. Their story continues to captivate historians and royal enthusiasts, serving as a poignant reminder of the complexities of love, duty, and the human heart’s desires.