Edward VIII

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Edward VIII Christening

George, Duke of York, and his children

Prince of Wales 9.2-inch gun HMS Hindustan Flickr 4454627308 cd3c9739e8 o

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Edward (VIII) in Wales coronet

The Prince of Wales at the Front (Photo 24-283)

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Prince of Wales in Ashburton, Royal Tour 1920

Edward VIII
King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions
File:Edward VIII portrait.jpg Portrait of Edward VIII
Reign	20 January 1936 – 11 December 1936
Predecessor	George V
Successor	George VI
Born	(1894-06-23)23 June 1894 White Lodge, Richmond Park, Surrey, England
Died	28 May 1972(1972-05-28) (aged 77) Paris, France
Burial	5 June 1972 Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore
Names Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David
House	House of Windsor
Father	George V
Mother	Mary of Teck

Edward VIII (Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David; 23 June 1894 – 28 May 1972) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Empire, and Emperor of India, from 20 January 1936 until his abdication on 11 December 1936. He was the eldest son of George V and Mary of Teck.

Early life

Edward was born on 23 June 1894 at White Lodge, Richmond Park, in Surrey, England. He was the eldest son of the Duke and Duchess of York, later George V and Mary of Teck. As a young prince, Edward was known for his charm and charisma, which made him popular with the public.

Reign

Edward became king following the death of his father, George V, on 20 January 1936. His reign was marked by controversy due to his relationship with Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée. The British government and the Church of England opposed the marriage, leading to a constitutional crisis.

Abdication

On 11 December 1936, Edward abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson. His younger brother, George VI, succeeded him. Edward was given the title of Duke of Windsor and spent most of his life in exile.

Later life

After his abdication, Edward married Wallis Simpson on 3 June 1937. The couple lived in various countries, including France and the United States. During World War II, Edward served as Governor of the Bahamas. He died on 28 May 1972 in Paris, France, and was buried at the Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore.

Legacy

Edward VIII's abdication had a significant impact on the British monarchy. It led to the reign of his brother, George VI, and eventually to the current monarch, Elizabeth II. His life and reign continue to be subjects of interest and debate.

Related pages

• George V
• George VI
• Wallis Simpson
• House of Windsor
• Elizabeth II
• Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore