In 1936, a major scandal erupted in the royal family due to King Edward VIII's intention to marry Wallis Simpson. But why was the American a controversial pick? Find out all you need to know about the woman who led a king to abdication
As we approach King Charles s second Christmas on the throne, it s easy to forget there was a time - not so long ago - when the very future of the monarchy was thrown into doubt.
The former King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson got married at the Chateau de Cande at Monts in central France in June 1937. But Wallis did not love her husband, despite his devotion to her.
In the early 1930s, an upper-class soap opera love affair between Edward VIII and Baltimorean Wallis Warfield Simpson, for whom he abandoned the English throne, caused a stir.
Speaking at the Chalke Valley History Festival, Professor Ridley said Edward s abdication stemmed from his father George V s failure to build a relationship with his son. Above: The pair in 1910.