Edward VIII, formerly King of the United Kingdom, lived a life marked by controversy and unconventional choices. His reign lasted less than a year before he abdicated in 1936 to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. After stepping down from the throne, Edward became known as the Duke of Windsor and spent much of his life abroad.
The Duke of Windsor died on May 28, 1972, at his home in Paris, France, from throat cancer at the age of 77. His final years were marked by declining health, and he had been battling the disease for some time. The former king’s passing was announced by Buckingham Palace, which stated that he had died peacefully.
Edward’s death came nearly 36 years after his abdication, which had sent shockwaves through the British monarchy and public. Despite the controversy surrounding his reign and personal life, his passing was mourned by many who remembered his brief time as king and his subsequent years as a public figure.
Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
Edward VIII was born on June 23, 1894, at White Lodge, Richmond Park. He was the eldest son of the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George V and Queen Mary.
As a young prince, Edward received a strict upbringing and education befitting his royal status. He attended naval college and served in the Royal Navy during World War I.
In 1911, Edward was invested as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle. This title traditionally belongs to the heir apparent to the British throne.
Upon the death of his father George V on January 20, 1936, Edward automatically became King Edward VIII. At 41 years old, he ascended to the throne amid high expectations from the British public.
Edward’s reign, however, would prove to be one of the shortest in British history. His time as monarch lasted only 326 days before he made the unprecedented decision to abdicate.
Abdication Crisis
King Edward VIII’s reign lasted only 326 days before he made the unprecedented decision to abdicate the throne. His choice to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee, sparked a constitutional crisis that shook the British monarchy to its core.
Relationship with Wallis Simpson
Edward met Wallis Simpson in 1931 while she was still married to her second husband. Their relationship quickly intensified, causing concern among the royal family and government officials. Simpson’s status as a twice-divorced American posed significant problems for the King, who was also the head of the Church of England.
The Church did not permit remarriage after divorce if a former spouse was still living. This position made it impossible for Edward to marry Simpson and remain King. Despite pressure from Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and other advisors, Edward refused to end the relationship.
Impact on the Monarchy and Abdication
Edward’s insistence on marrying Simpson led to a constitutional crisis. The British government, dominion governments, and the Church of England all opposed the marriage. On December 10, 1936, Edward signed the Instrument of Abdication, relinquishing his claim to the throne.
His younger brother, the Duke of York, succeeded him as King George VI. The abdication sent shockwaves through the British Empire and fundamentally altered the line of succession. It also raised questions about the role of personal desires versus duty in the monarchy.
Life After Abdication
Following his abdication, Edward was given the title Duke of Windsor. He married Wallis Simpson in France on June 3, 1937. The couple lived primarily in exile, with Edward never again holding an official role in the Royal Family.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor settled in Paris. Edward’s relationship with his family remained strained, particularly due to his pro-German sentiments before World War II. The couple made occasional visits to England but were largely excluded from royal life.
Edward died in 1972 in Paris, never having fully reconciled with the Royal Family. His decision to choose love over duty continues to be debated and analyzed by historians and royal watchers alike.
Marriage and Duke of Windsor Title
Edward VIII abdicated the throne on December 11, 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. His younger brother became King George VI, who granted Edward the title Duke of Windsor.
Edward and Wallis married on June 3, 1937 in a private ceremony in France. The wedding was not attended by any members of the British royal family.
As Duke of Windsor, Edward was effectively exiled from Britain. He and Wallis primarily lived in France, though they traveled extensively.
Wallis became the Duchess of Windsor upon marriage. However, she was denied the style “Her Royal Highness” by King George VI.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor remained married until Edward’s death in 1972. They had no children together.
Edward was buried in the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, near Windsor Castle. Wallis was later buried beside him following her death in 1986.
Edward’s Political Stance and World War II
Edward VIII‘s political views and actions during World War II were controversial. His perceived Nazi sympathies and later role as Governor of the Bahamas raised questions about his loyalties and judgment.
The Marburg Files Controversy
The Marburg Files, discovered after the war, suggested Edward VIII had close ties to Nazi Germany. These documents indicated he may have shared sensitive information with Hitler’s regime. Edward allegedly advocated for a negotiated peace with Germany, contrary to British policy. His actions prompted concerns within the British government about potential treason. Some historians argue Edward’s stance was naive rather than malicious. Regardless, these revelations tarnished his reputation and cast doubt on his patriotism.
Governorship of the Bahamas
In 1940, the British government appointed Edward as Governor of the Bahamas. This move aimed to distance him from Europe and minimize his potential influence on the war effort. During his tenure, Edward faced challenges in governing the colony. He implemented some social reforms but was criticized for his lavish lifestyle. His efforts to improve conditions for the local population were limited. Edward’s time in the Bahamas ended in 1945, coinciding with the conclusion of World War II.
Final Years and Health
Edward VIII spent his last decades in Paris, facing declining health and a cancer diagnosis. His life as the Duke of Windsor took a quieter turn in the French capital before illness ultimately claimed him.
Life in Paris
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor settled in Paris after World War II. They resided in a villa in the Bois de Boulogne, leading a socialite lifestyle. Edward occupied himself with writing his memoirs and occasional public appearances. The couple became fixtures of Parisian high society, hosting lavish parties and mingling with celebrities and aristocrats.
Despite their glamorous existence, the Windsors lived in relative exile from the British royal family. Edward made infrequent visits to England, maintaining a strained relationship with his relatives.
Health Decline and Throat Cancer
Edward’s health began to deteriorate in the late 1960s. He underwent surgery for an abdominal aneurysm in 1964 and later for a detached retina. In 1971, doctors diagnosed the Duke with throat cancer, specifically laryngeal cancer.
The former king received treatment in Houston, Texas, but his condition worsened. He returned to Paris, where he spent his final months. On May 28, 1972, Edward VIII died at his home, with the Duchess by his side. He was 77 years old.
Buckingham Palace announced that he “died peacefully.” The Duke’s body was flown to Britain for a funeral at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Death and Funeral
Edward VIII, later known as the Duke of Windsor, died on May 28, 1972 in Paris. The cause of death was throat cancer. He passed away peacefully at the age of 77.
The funeral took place on June 5, 1972 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Prior to the service, the Duke’s body lay in state for three days, allowing the public to pay their respects.
The funeral service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Members of the royal family attended, including Queen Elizabeth II. The BBC provided live television coverage of the event.
After the service, the Duke’s casket was transported to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore. He was laid to rest near the grounds of Windsor Castle, where many other members of the royal family are buried.
The Duke of Windsor’s funeral marked the end of a controversial chapter in British royal history. Despite his abdication in 1936, he was given a royal burial befitting his status as a former king.
Legacy
Edward VIII’s abdication and later life as the Duke of Windsor left an indelible mark on the British monarchy and public consciousness. His decisions shaped royal protocols and sparked ongoing fascination with his controversial choices.
Public Perception and The Crown
The Duke of Windsor’s legacy remains complex and polarizing. Many view him as a romantic figure who gave up the throne for love. Others see his abdication as a dereliction of duty. The popular Netflix series “The Crown” has renewed interest in Edward VIII’s story, portraying his later years and relationship with Wallis Simpson.
The show depicts the Duke’s strained interactions with the royal family, particularly during visits to Britain. This portrayal has influenced public perception, though historians debate its accuracy. Edward VIII’s legacy also includes allegations of Nazi sympathies, which continue to tarnish his reputation decades after his death.
Influence on the Royal Family
Edward VIII’s abdication profoundly impacted the British Royal Family. It thrust his brother George VI onto the throne unexpectedly, altering the line of succession. This change ultimately led to Queen Elizabeth II’s long reign.
The crisis sparked by Edward’s decision prompted stricter adherence to royal protocols. It reinforced the importance of duty and sacrifice within the monarchy. The House of Windsor distanced itself from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor for many years.
Prince Philip and Princess Margaret were particularly affected by the abdication’s aftermath. The event shaped their roles and relationships within the royal family. Edward VIII’s legacy serves as a cautionary tale, influencing how modern royals approach their duties and personal lives.
Aftermath of Edward’s Death
Edward VIII’s passing marked the end of an era and had lasting impacts on the royal family and public. His death brought renewed attention to his controversial abdication and marriage.
Impact on Wallis Simpson
Wallis Simpson, now the Duchess of Windsor, was deeply affected by Edward’s death. She remained in Paris, where the couple had lived in exile. The duchess faced financial uncertainty, as Edward’s wealth was largely tied to royal properties. She became increasingly reclusive in the years following his passing.
The British royal family’s relationship with Wallis remained strained. She was not invited to attend Edward’s funeral in England. This exclusion highlighted the ongoing tensions stemming from the abdication crisis decades earlier.
Commemoration and Burial Sites
Edward VIII’s body was flown to Britain for a state funeral. Over 60,000 people paid their respects as he lay in state at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The funeral service was held there on June 5, 1972.
Edward was interred in the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, near Windsor Castle. His grave lies next to that of Wallis Simpson, who joined him there in 1986. The site remains a place of historical interest.
Some of Edward’s personal effects were later displayed at museums. These exhibits offer glimpses into the life of the king who gave up his throne for love.