Edward VIII

Edward VIII
Title	King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Empire, Emperor of India
Reign	20 January 1936 – 11 December 1936
Coronation
Predecessor	George V
Successor	George VI
Spouse	Wallis Simpson
Issue
Full Name
House	House of Windsor
Father	George V
Mother	Mary of Teck
Birth Date	(1894-06-23)23 June 1894
Birth Place	White Lodge, Richmond, Surrey, England
Death Date	28 May 1972(1972-05-28) (aged 77)
Death Place	Paris, France
Burial Date
Burial Place	Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore

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 King George V and Queen Mary of Teck.

Early Life and Education

Edward was born on 23 June 1894 at White Lodge, Richmond, Surrey, during the reign of his great-grandmother Queen Victoria. He was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George V and Queen Mary. As a young prince, Edward was educated at home by tutors and later attended the Royal Naval College, Osborne, and the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.

Prince of Wales

Edward was created Prince of Wales on 23 June 1910, his 16th birthday, following his father's accession as King George V. He was invested as Prince of Wales in a ceremony at Caernarfon Castle on 13 July 1911. During World War I, Edward served in the British Armed Forces, although he was not allowed to serve on the front lines.

Reign

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

Abdication

On 11 December 1936, Edward abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson. His younger brother, Albert, Duke of York, succeeded him as King George VI. Edward was given the title of Duke of Windsor and lived in exile in France.

Later Life

After his abdication, Edward married Wallis Simpson on 3 June 1937. The couple lived in France and later in the United States. During World War II, Edward served as Governor of the Bahamas. He spent the remainder of his life in retirement, writing his memoirs and engaging in social activities.

Death

Edward died on 28 May 1972 in Paris, France, and was buried at the Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore, near Windsor Castle.

Legacy

Edward VIII's abdication had a significant impact on the British monarchy, leading to changes in the line of succession and influencing public perceptions of the royal family. His decision to marry Wallis Simpson and the subsequent abdication remain subjects of historical interest and debate.

Also see

• George V
• George VI
• Wallis Simpson
• House of Windsor
• Abdication of Edward VIII