My point was, that in the world we live in today, it is ludicrous to expect someone to give up their entire life, freedom of choices for duty, simply because of the parents they were born to.
I have tremendous respect and admiration for those who do, I feel beyond privileged to have lived my entire life with HM Queen Elizabeth II on the throne and the excellent example and standard of behavior she has set while doing so.
But I can also see someone like HRH The Duke of Windsor who would make another choice.
Being born in the USA, I am well aware of boundless Patriotism with a capital P and the demand of total, blind commitment, the "my country right or wrong, love it or leave it" mindset imposed by a society at large. But we all know that doesn't work, anywhere in the world.
We can all see the dramatic social changes that have happened in ALL western societies over the past 60 years. Yes, divorce is now accepted and ignored, in fact it is expected as a way of life by many. Same as out of wedlock birth, that just to be scandalous, now one gives it a second glance it is so common. We now have same sex marriage in Western societies.
What was once scandalous in proper British society is now for the most part ignored as well as openly talked about. Certainly that affects the Monarchy and how it operates, as was posted before, see the Heir Apparent and his second wife who herself is a divorcee.
What you are saying is correct, but as the topic of the thread is the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, we are pretty much going on what society expected of the British Royal family and the future King during this time period.
We can talk about social, gender and economic quality into we are blue in the face but that doesn't change the fact that Edward and Wallis were born 60 to 100 years too early.
Renata quoted something that goes along with what you are saying, and I am going to quote something else that I believe those who are critical of the actions of David (and Wallis) are basing their opinions of.
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy used to say this quite often when people interviewed her about the deaths of her sons, and this is how she said she coped with life's tragedies:
To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required.
Edward, as a member of the British Royal Family, Prince of Wales and future King of England had a lot and I am not just talking about material items. He had the hope of his people. People held him in high esteem and it was thought that he would make great changes (i.e. coal miners, etc.) while maintaining the British monarchy and empire. It it a lot to expect of one person, yes, I would agree that it is. But really all he had to was his duty: read your boxes, do your royal engagements, provide an heir (and if not hey you got your brothers so thats okay). and he chucked it all for personal happiness. People were (and are to this day) died for their country (for King and Country) and he couldn't put his personal happiness aside? I am sorry that's pretty selfish IMO. And than after he left, just more petty and selfish actions. Oh you have a war going on Mr. Prime Minister, well I am not leaving Portugal until I get assurances that my wife will be received by the BRF and she will get her title. Selfish Selfish Selfish!
In regards to your statement " My point was, that in the world we live in today, it is ludicrous to expect someone to give up their entire life, freedom of choices for duty, simply because of the parents they were born to." well personally, I wish we had more people like that. Everyone is so self involved these days, worried about M E and not their fellow man, and always worried about their personal happiness and not anyone else. We could use a bit more of thinking about others and doing your duty.
Wallis' inconvenient husband not withstanding, if he had married Wallis before the death of George V he would never have been King and would therefore never have been in a position to abdicate.
