Duke and Duchess of Windsor

[thissal]

Ah ha, thanks Alexandria. That was the article I was referring to. But it is strange that such information would be released on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor after all this time. It seemed purposeful, but for what?

One thing it made clear is that if Edward VIII had supposedly fathered a child, then here's the evidence that maybe the child was not his. At any rate, I wouldn't think it would alter the rules of succession since children born out of wedlock may not inherit the throne anyway, unless they are adopted?

But if Edward VIII could have formally adopted this child before he abdicated, would the child then have become Queen? If so, I could see why some people would have them believe the baby was stillborn. Nothing like a good royal mystery!

[Josefine]

post news and pictures here
or just talk about them

[Josefine]

Could someone tell me about their life after his abdication

[Bubbette]

There have been many books on this. Basically, long lunches and lush parties, on someone else's tab if possible.

[gaoshan1021]

Edward VIII (Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David Windsor), 1894–1972, King of Great Britain and Ireland (1936). He was born on the 23rd June 1894 at White Lodge, Richmond Park, Surrey, England, the son of King George V and Mary of Teck (Queen Mary).
King Edward was styled as "By the Grace of God, of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India". Known within his family as David, Edward did not get along with this father, according to some sources he was terrified of him. King of Great Britain in January 1936 he abdicated the throne on December 10th 1936 for his love for Wallis Simpson.
Plans for Edward's coronation, upset by the abdication, were left in place for his brother George VI. in May 1936 while riding back from an army parade in Hyde Park, Edward survived an assassination attempt made by an Irish journalist who was angry at the Home Secretary. The would-be killer, George McMahon, pulled out a gun, which came loose during a struggle with police and fell under the King's horse. The police retrieved the gun and Edward kept on riding. Edward known as the Duke of Windsor after his abdication published his autobiography, "A King's Story" in 1951. The Duke was the subject of a 1965 documentary, "A King's Story".
Edward married Wallis on the 3rd of June 1937 at Chateau de Cande, Monts, France. He was 43 years old, there are no known children from this marriage. The Duke died on 28th may 1972 at the age of 78 from natural causes, he is buried at Windsor, Berkshire, England.

[gaoshan1021]

The Abdication speech of H.M. King Edward VIII

At long last I am able to say a few words of my own. I have never wanted to withhold anything, but until now it has not been constitutionally possible for me to speak.
A few hours ago I discharged my last duty as King and Emperor, and now that I have been succeeded by my brother, The Duke of York, my first words must be to declare my allegiance to him. This I do with all my heart.
You all know the reasons which have impelled me to renounce the Throne. But I want you to understand that in making up my mind I did not forget the country or the Empire which as Prince of Wales, and lately as King, I have for twenty-five years tried to serve. But you must believe me when I tell you that 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.
And I want you to know that the decision I have made has been mine and mine alone. This was a thing I had to judge entirely for myself. The other person most nearly concerned has tried up to the last to persuade me to take a different course. I have made this, the most serious decision of my life, only upon the single thought of what would in the end be best for all.
This decision has been made less difficult to me by the sure knowledge that my brother, with his long training in the public affairs of this country and with his fine qualities, will be able to take my place forthwith, without interruption or injury to the life and progress of the Empire. And he has one matchless blessing, enjoyed by so many of you and not bestowed on me - a happy home with his wife and children.
During these hard days I have been comforted by Her Majesty my mother and by my family. The Ministers of the Crown, and in particular Mr. Baldwin, the Prime Minister, have always treated me with full consideration. There has never been any constitutional difference between me and them and between me and Parliament. Bred in the constitutional tradition by my father, I should never have allowed any such issue to arise.
Ever since I was Prince of Wales, and later on when I occupied the Throne, I have been treated with the greatest kindness by all classes of the people, wherever I have lived or journeyed throughout the Empire. For that I am very grateful.
I now quit altogether public affairs, and I lay down my burden. It may be some time before I return to my native land, but I shall always follow the fortunes of the British race and Empire with profound interest, and if at any time in the future I can be found of service to His Majesty in a private station I shall not fail.
And now we all have a new King. I wish him, and you, his people, happiness and prosperity with all my heart. God bless you all. God Save The King.

Edward VIII - December 11, 1936

[gaoshan1021]

H.M. King Edward VIII
www.hultonarchive.com

[gaoshan1021]

Windsor, Wallis Warfield, duchess of, 1896–1986, American-born wife of Edward, duke of Windsor, who, as Edward VIII, abdicated the British throne in order to marry her. In 1916 she married a naval lieutenant, from whom she was divorced in 1927. The next year she married Ernest Aldrich Simpson, an American businessman residing in London, where she met Edward, who was then prince of Wales. The friendship between Mrs. Simpson and the prince continued after he succeeded to the throne in Jan., 1936. In Oct., 1936, Mrs. Simpson obtained a divorce decree nisi. Rumors of a projected marriage of Edward and Mrs. Simpson preceded the crisis of Dec., 1936, which resulted in Edward's abdication. On Apr. 27, 1937, the Simpson divorce became final, and Mrs. Simpson legally changed her name to Wallis Warfield. On June 3 she married Edward in France, where they made their home. By special letters patent it was provided that the duchess of Windsor should not share her husband's royal rank. Exiled, she and Edward remained in France and became prominent in international social circles. She was not officially invited back to Britain until 1967. She attended Edward's funeral in England in 1972 and was buried next to him at her death.

[gaoshan1021]

H.G. Walllis Simpson the Duchess of Windsor

[gaoshan1021]

H.G. Walllis Simpson the Duchess of Windsor

[sky]

Does H.G mean Her Grace?

[justine]

Originally posted by sky@Dec 24th, 2003 - 12:44 pm
Does H.G mean Her Grace?

yes HG does mean Her Grace...because I am sure you know that she was never given/granted the (or allowed to use) the style of HRH.
HG is the style for a Duke/Duchess who are not Royal Princes/ss I believe. I believe there are a few other titles or nobility that also are styled w/ HG.

[sky]

I know that he became an HRH after his marriage but was his title HRH prince Edward, Duke of Windsor or just HRH Edward, Duke of Windsor?

[justine]

Originally posted by sky@Dec 24th, 2003 - 1:50 pm
I know that he became an HRH after his marriage but was his title HRH prince Edward, Duke of Windsor or just HRH Edward, Duke of Windsor?

he was born HRH...and I don't believe that becoming HM he lost that. Just reverted to it when he abdicated.
I believe he was HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor.

[flying]

B)

[lashinka2002]

What are your thoughts on the lives of this couple?
The abdication crisis, their love, their exile, the relationship with Hitler, and the rumor of the birth of their daughter in 1934.
Any comments on the reasoning behind the forceful abdication, was it really because Wallis was a divorcee or was because they felt Edward VIII was incompetent
Please post information and pics.
Especially about Wallis Simpson.




1. Duke & duchess of Windsor
2. Wallis Simpson 1914
3. Wallis Simpson 1938
4. Wallis' mother Alice Montague

[lashinka2002]

"Forgive me for not writing but this man is exhausting"


"I am so anxious for you not to abdicate and I think the fact that you do is going to put me in the wrong light to the entire world because they will say that I could have prevented it"


"I hate this place. I shall hate it to my grave"


"I look a hundred and weigh 110-you won't love me when you see the wreck England has made me"


"I never make a trip to the United States without visiting a supermarket. To me they are more fascinating than any fashion salon.


"I survived by mastering my own emotions. a kind of private arrangement within oneself-an understanding of the heart and mind-that one's life and purposes are essentially good, and that nothing from outside must be allowed to impair that understanding. I learned that one can live alone"

[lashinka2002]

More Pics

[lashinka2002]

1. June 2, 1937 the week of their wedding
2. First portrait of wedding at the Chateau de Cande in Monts France
3. June 8, 1937 wedding day, the duchess' gown was pale blue to match her eyes & designed by Mainbocher
4. After wedding ceremony At the left is Herman Rogers, who gave the bride away, and at the right is major E.D. Metcalf, who acted as the Duke's best man in both ceremonies. The famous couple is now honeymooning in an Austrian castle.
5. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor gaze from a balcony on their wedding day
6. Duke and Duchess of Windsor aboard SS United States, silver wedding anniversary

[lashinka2002]

Edward VIII Born June 23 1894 Died May 28 1972

Wallis Warfield Simpson Born June 19, 1896 Died April 24 1986
Both buried at Frogmore side by side

1. Grave sites
2. Wallis' casket