logo
GettyImages
GettyImages

Inside Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson's Love Scandal That Ended a King's Reign

Olowokandi Fiyin
Feb 28, 2021
02:20 A.M.

The British royal family has experienced its fair share of highs and lows. One of the most significant cases is the tragic love story of Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Advertisement

Falling in love is a beautiful experience, however, the path to a successful relationship is not always easy. The story of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor is a good example of such difficulties.

Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson shook the British royal family down to its core with their relationship that led to the late King's abdication. Here is the full story about the late couple.

Duke of Windsor Edward and Mrs Wallis Simpson on their wedding day on June 03, 1937 | Photo: Getty Images

Duke of Windsor Edward and Mrs Wallis Simpson on their wedding day on June 03, 1937 | Photo: Getty Images

THE ROYAL SCANDAL

Edward VIII shocked the world with his decision to abdicate his throne in order to be with the woman he adored. This historic event occurred in 1936, less than a year after Edward became king.

His reign began in January 1936 after the death of his father but it was short-lived because of his relationship with Wallis Simpson, a divorcee, the royal family disapproved of.

Advertisement
Edward VIII working in his office on January 01, 1936 | Photo: Getty Images

Edward VIII working in his office on January 01, 1936 | Photo: Getty Images

The American socialite had previously divorced from her first husband and was still married to her second spouse when her relationship with the King began. Technically, this made their romance an affair, hence the disapproval.

Many have compared [Edward and Simpson's] relationship to that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Wallis, Duchess of Windsor outside Goverment House on January 01, 1942 | Photo: Getty Images

Wallis, Duchess of Windsor outside Goverment House on January 01, 1942 | Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

The unideal situation left Edward with a difficult decision to make. He could either give up the woman he loved or lose the throne. Simpson tried to ease this process by choosing to leave.

According to the book "The Real Wallis Simpson" written by Anna Pasternak, the king chose to leave his seat despite his partner's wish for him to stay and allow her to leave the country.

WALLIS SIMPSON'S STORY

Labeled as the woman who stole the king, the late Duchess of Windsor's life was filled with endless scrutiny and hostility. However, there was more to her story than what history depicted.

Wallis, Duchess of Windsor and the Duke of Windsor on January 01, 1942 | Photo: Getty Images

Wallis, Duchess of Windsor and the Duke of Windsor on January 01, 1942 | Photo: Getty Images

Simpson reportedly divorced her first husband, Earl Winfield Spencer, because of his drinking problem. While her second marriage to Ernest Simpson became estranged after she met Edward through his mistress at the time, Thelma Furness.

Advertisement

Although their relationship caused the king to abdicate his throne, this was not the end of their trials as the Duchess paid the consequences for Edward's actions by becoming the victim of harsh criticisms.

Advertisement

Many have compared the late monarchs' relationship to that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. However, some sources have pointed out that the 21st century was far more lenient than in the past.

While others believed the story of Edward and Simpson would undoubtedly help the current Duke and Duchess of Sussex avoid the mistakes that led to the sad lives of the late Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Meghan Markle Left ‘Disappointed’ When She Met & Realised Who Kate Middleton Was - Kate Once Made Her Cry

January 19, 2024

Is There Still Hope for Prince Harry & Prince William's Relationship Years Into Their Rift?

February 14, 2024

Meghan Markle Makes Bold Statement with New Alias in Freshly Launched Website

February 19, 2024

Meghan Markle Makes Bold Statement with New Alias in Freshly Launched Website

February 13, 2024

Inside Prince Harry’s $2K-an-Hour Luxe Suite He Chose over Staying with Family While Visiting Ailing Dad

February 09, 2024

Meghan Markle Debuts Her New Alias & the Public Supports Her — Details

February 14, 2024

Why Did Prince Harry Choose to Stay at a Hotel While Visiting His Ailing Father, King Charles?

February 09, 2024

Why Did Prince Harry Choose to Stay at a Hotel While Visiting His Ailing Father, King Charles?

February 08, 2024

Prince Harry Chose ‘Not to Be in the Same Room with His Stepmother’ While Visiting His Ailing Father, Her Friend Claims

February 15, 2024

Prince Harry Chose ‘Not to Be in the Same Room with His Stepmother’ While Visiting His Ailing Father, Her Friend Claims

February 14, 2024

Meghan Markle Looks ‘Truly Happy & Relaxed’ Posing for New Portrait Shortly after Rebranding

February 14, 2024

First Photos of Meghan Markle since Prince Harry Left to See Ailing Dad Spark Heated Discussion

February 09, 2024

Prince Harry Responded to Rumors That He Is Not King Charles’ Real Son – Why People Think He Is Illegitimate

February 09, 2024

First Photos of Meghan Markle since Prince Harry Left to See Ailing Dad Spark Heated Discussion

February 08, 2024