Windsor100: Monarch Profile – Edward VIII

Today’s profile of the Windsor monarchs is on the House’s second, yet brief, King – Edward VIII, later the Duke of Windsor.

Monarch: Edward VIII of the United Kingdom
Full Name: Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David
Reign: January 20, 1936 – December 11, 1936
Coronation: Uncrowned
Date and Place of Birth: June 23, 1894 – White Lodge, Richmond upon Thames
Date and Place of Death: May 28, 1972 – Villa Windsor, Paris
Parents: George V of the United Kingdom and Mary of Teck
Spouse: Wallis Warfield Simpson
Children: None

Five Facts about His Royal Highness
– He was the first British monarch to fly in a plane
– When he took the throne, he requested his image on coins face left, instead of right as would be customary as the previous King faced left. Edward’s reasoning? He wanted his hair part to be visible
– He was naturally forbidden from fighting on the front during the First World War
– Wallis Simpson was not the first married woman Edward took an interest in, he was a known womanizer
– Upon his abdication, he was the first monarch of the British Isles to do so in 248 years to the day. The last was James II and VII, whose fleeing of England during the Glorious Revolution was deemed an abdication

“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.”

Filed under Historical Royals, The United Kingdom
Tagged Anniversary, Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, House of Windsor.