Edward VIII was the eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary, and he succeeded his father as the King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Empire in January 1936. However, his reign lasted only 326 days, making him one of the shortest-reigning monarchs in British history. He is perhaps best known for his abdication in December 1936, which was caused by his desire to marry the American socialite Wallis Simpson. This decision had far-reaching consequences for the British monarchy and the political establishment, and it remains a topic of fascination for historians and the public alike.
Key Facts about Edward VIII
- Edward VIII was born on June 23, 1894, and he was christened Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David.
- He was educated at the Royal Naval College in Osborne and the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, and he joined the Royal Navy in 1913.
- During World War I, he served in the Mediterranean and the North Sea, and he was promoted to lieutenant in 1916 and to commander in 1922.
- After his accession to the throne, he became known for his interest in social issues and his support for the unemployed and the poor.
- Edward VIII was succeeded by his younger brother, George VI, who went on to become one of the most beloved monarchs in British history.
Early Life
Edward VIII was born on June 23, 1894, at White Lodge in Richmond Park, London. He was the eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary, and he was initially third in line to the throne, behind his grandfather, King Edward VII, and his father, the Duke of York. Edward was educated at home by private tutors until the age of 13, when he went to the Royal Naval College in Osborne. He later attended the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, where he was known for his athleticism and his love of sports.
After leaving Dartmouth, Edward joined the Royal Navy as a midshipman, and he served on various ships in the Mediterranean and the North Sea. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1916, and he saw action in the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of World War I. After the war, Edward traveled extensively and became known for his love of parties, fashion, and socializing.
Reign and Abdication
Edward VIII became king on January 20, 1936, upon the death of his father, George V. He was initially popular with the British public, who saw him as a modern and charismatic monarch. However, his relationship with Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who was still married to her second husband, soon caused controversy and scandal.
The British establishment, including Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and the Archbishop of Canterbury, opposed the idea of Edward marrying Simpson, who was seen as a divisive and unsuitable figure for a queen. Edward was determined to marry her, however, and he abdicated on December 11, 1936, in order to do so. His younger brother, George VI, succeeded him as king.
We have much more on the abdication crisis here.
Legacy
The abdication crisis of 1936 had a profound impact on the British monarchy and the political establishment. It raised questions about the role of the monarch, the power of the government, and the influence of the media. It also highlighted the tensions between tradition and modernity, and it showed the importance of public opinion in shaping the destiny of the monarchy.
After his abdication, Edward was given the title of Duke of Windsor, and he lived in France with Simpson, whom he married in June 1937. He remained a controversial figure and persona non grata with the Royal Family. He died in Paris on May 28, 1972, and he was buried in the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor.
Movies and TV Shows Featuring
Edward VIII has been portrayed in numerous films and TV shows over the years, including The King’s Speech (2010), which focuses on the reign of his brother, George VI, and the abdication crisis. He has also been depicted in The Crown (2016-), a popular Netflix series about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Further Research
For those interested in learning more about Edward VIII, there are many books and documentaries available. Some of the most popular include The Duke of Windsor’s War (2017) by historian Michael Bloch, and The Queen Mother: The Official Biography (2009) by William Shawcross. Most recently Once a King: The Lost Memoir of Edward VIII by Jane Tippett.
Locations Related to Edward VIII
There are several locations that are associated with Edward VIII, including Buckingham Palace, where he lived as a member of the royal family; Fort Belvedere, a country house in Surrey where he signed his abdication papers; and Frogmore House, where he is buried. Other notable locations include the Château de Candé in France, where he married Wallis Simpson, and the Bahamas, where he served as governor during World War II.
He made one serious mistake- shaking Hitler’s hand hoping if he had won the war he would be reinstalled as king… what was treason and backstabbing his own country that at the time stood alone fighting the Nazi dictator.
This actually didn’t happen that way. We have a podcast coming out in a few weeks that discusses Edward VIII in detail and his supposed Nazi connections.