1936 Abdication Crisis
In January 1934, reportedly Edward, Prince of Wales began an intimate relationship with American Wallis Simpson from Baltimore who was currently on her 2nd marriage to Ernest Simpson. By 1935 Edward was taken with Wallis' charm and her opinionated attitude and irreverence to his position as heir to the throne.
This weakened his relationship with his father George V who believed his son to be irresponsible. Edward spoilt Wallis and showered her in jewels from the Royal Collection. She was excluded from the Royal Court due to her status as a divorcee and this angered Edward. George V grew increasingly worried about his son and his mistress and distraught over the news that his son would succeed him on his death.
On 20th January 1936, George V died in his sleep at his Sandringham estate. Edward immediately ascended to the British Throne. He watched the Proclamation of his ascension to the Throne though a window at St James Palace which worried many Courtiers. Many thought that the King-Emperor would marry a twice divorcee, which he couldn't due to his status as head of the Church.
The news was kept out of Britain but the love story was common knowledge in America. Tension rose on October 27 1936 when Wallis was granted a Decree Nisi against Ernest Simpson on the grounds he had an affair with Mary Kirk, Wallis' childhood friend.
A morganatic wedding was suggested, Edward would marry Wallis but not have any royal status. Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin consulted with the Cabinet and Dominions who were against a morganatic wedding.
The news was officially released in Britain in early December about Edward's wish to abdicate and marry Wallis. Stanley Baldwin finally gave him 3 suggestions: give up any wish to marry Wallis; marry against the Governments advice causing a constitutional crisis; or abdicate. He chose to abdicate.
Edward on the 10th December 1936, at his residence of Fort Belvedere signed the Instrument of Abdication giving up his birth right and leaving his brother Prince Albert-Duke of York, king. His 3 brothers signed the document as witnesses. Edward finally addressed the nation from Windsor Castle during the evening of the 11th December styled as Prince Edward stating his intention of Abdication and why he gave up his birth-right.
Edward was exiled from Britain and departed straight after the broadcast for Austria. Albert succeeded as George VI and on 12th December at the accession meeting of the Privy Council, it was announced that Edward was to be styled HRH The Duke of Windsor. This meant Edward could not stand for public office or take a seat in the House of Lords. He was officially known as the Duke of Windsor when documents were signed on March 8th 1937.
Edward could not see Wallis for 6 months until his divorce was absolute. Edward toured around Europe waiting to marry Wallis. On May 12th 1937, Albert was coronated King George VI with Elizabeth, Duchess of York his consort and Queen. Edward married Wallis on 3rd June with no member of his family attending the service due to a decree by George VI. Wallis was not given the style "Royal Highness" which angered Edward.
Edward was now exiled from the country which he was King of and was refused from entering to live or work on a permanent basis. Edward and his new wife were shunned by the Royal Family and British Government up till Edwards' death in 1972.
This weakened his relationship with his father George V who believed his son to be irresponsible. Edward spoilt Wallis and showered her in jewels from the Royal Collection. She was excluded from the Royal Court due to her status as a divorcee and this angered Edward. George V grew increasingly worried about his son and his mistress and distraught over the news that his son would succeed him on his death.
On 20th January 1936, George V died in his sleep at his Sandringham estate. Edward immediately ascended to the British Throne. He watched the Proclamation of his ascension to the Throne though a window at St James Palace which worried many Courtiers. Many thought that the King-Emperor would marry a twice divorcee, which he couldn't due to his status as head of the Church.
The news was kept out of Britain but the love story was common knowledge in America. Tension rose on October 27 1936 when Wallis was granted a Decree Nisi against Ernest Simpson on the grounds he had an affair with Mary Kirk, Wallis' childhood friend.
A morganatic wedding was suggested, Edward would marry Wallis but not have any royal status. Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin consulted with the Cabinet and Dominions who were against a morganatic wedding.
The news was officially released in Britain in early December about Edward's wish to abdicate and marry Wallis. Stanley Baldwin finally gave him 3 suggestions: give up any wish to marry Wallis; marry against the Governments advice causing a constitutional crisis; or abdicate. He chose to abdicate.
Edward on the 10th December 1936, at his residence of Fort Belvedere signed the Instrument of Abdication giving up his birth right and leaving his brother Prince Albert-Duke of York, king. His 3 brothers signed the document as witnesses. Edward finally addressed the nation from Windsor Castle during the evening of the 11th December styled as Prince Edward stating his intention of Abdication and why he gave up his birth-right.
Edward was exiled from Britain and departed straight after the broadcast for Austria. Albert succeeded as George VI and on 12th December at the accession meeting of the Privy Council, it was announced that Edward was to be styled HRH The Duke of Windsor. This meant Edward could not stand for public office or take a seat in the House of Lords. He was officially known as the Duke of Windsor when documents were signed on March 8th 1937.
Edward could not see Wallis for 6 months until his divorce was absolute. Edward toured around Europe waiting to marry Wallis. On May 12th 1937, Albert was coronated King George VI with Elizabeth, Duchess of York his consort and Queen. Edward married Wallis on 3rd June with no member of his family attending the service due to a decree by George VI. Wallis was not given the style "Royal Highness" which angered Edward.
Edward was now exiled from the country which he was King of and was refused from entering to live or work on a permanent basis. Edward and his new wife were shunned by the Royal Family and British Government up till Edwards' death in 1972.