A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Dec. 11, 1936, Britain’s King Edward VIII abdicated the throne so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson; his brother, Prince Albert, became King George VI.
Edward’s desire to marry a woman who had two living ex-husbands threatened to cause a constitutional crisis in the United Kingdom and the Dominions, ultimately leading to his abdication in December 1936 to marry “the woman I love.”
After abdicating, Edward was made Duke of Windsor by his brother and successor, George VI. Wallis married Edward six months later, after which she was formally known as the Duchess of Windsor, but was not allowed to share her husband’s title of “Royal Highness.”
There is also plenty of documentation that that King Edward VIII was sympathetic to Germany and an admirer of German culture. Simpson had connections with Baron von Ribbentrop, Germany’s foreign minister. This was known as well, though the depth and frequency. But did the duke spy for Adolf Hitler?
In 1936, the story captivated readers around the world, and then, as now, Americans love to watch the royal family deal with “commoner” issues.
Here are some fun articles from Deseret News archives about the saga, the movie it inspired, and a couple of stories on how some see current former royals Harry and Megan, and Queen Consort Camilla, in a similar light:
“Britons release disgraced king’s papers”
“Love letters of king sell for $48,645″
“For sale: remnants of a royal love story”
“Kin’s coolness left duke embittered”
“Was ex-king a spy for Hitler?”
“Interview from ‘40 says duke sought FDR’s help to aid Hitler”
“King Edward VIII table sells at Sotheby’s for $375,000″
“Echoes of past resound in archives”
“Move over, Kate: Wallis Simpson back as style icon”
“Madonna says she identifies with Wallis Simpson”
“‘The King’s Speech’ is gorgeous, though familiar”
“‘The King’s Speech’ well defined for those who stutter”
“Harry, Meghan to quit royal jobs, give up ‘highness’ titles”
“When the family business turns into a royal mess”
