Edward VIII

Edward VIII was briefly the King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth, and Emperor of India, from January to December 1936. His abdication was the result of his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who was divorced from her first husband and in the process of divorcing her second husband at the time.Edward’s relationship with Simpson began in 1934, while she was still married to her second husband Ernest Simpson.

As King, Edward’s attempts to gain the royal family’s acceptance of Simpson met with firm opposition from the Church of England, the British government, and most politicians in Britain and the Commonwealth.

There were also concerns about Simpson’s background and behavior, as well as rumors that she may have had inappropriate relationships and was passing information to the Germans. The British establishment was divided on the issue, with some believing Edward was too popular and posed a challenge, while others were concerned about his Nazi sympathies.

Under pressure, Edward abdicated the throne on December 10, 1936, stating “I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to.” He was succeeded by his younger brother, who became King George VI.