Edward VIII Quotes

A collection of quotes by Edward VIII.

Edward VIII, born Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, was the eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary. He was born on June 23, 1894, in Richmond, Surrey, England. Edward received a traditional royal education and served in the British Army during World War I.

In 1936, upon the death of his father, Edward ascended the throne as the King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth. However, his reign was short-lived, as he abdicated less than a year later, making him one of the few British monarchs to voluntarily step down from the throne.

Edward's abdication was prompted by his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American socialite and divorcée. As the British monarch, he faced opposition in marrying someone who had previously been divorced. Consequently, Edward made the decision to abdicate on December 11, 1936, in order to pursue his relationship with Simpson.

Shortly after his abdication, Edward was given the title Duke of Windsor. He and Wallis Simpson married in June 1937, and the couple spent most of their lives in France. Edward and his new wife faced scrutiny and controversy throughout their relationship but remained together until his death in 1972. Despite his brief reign, Edward VIII's decision to give up the throne for love had a significant impact on the British monarchy.