Edward VIII

Edward VIII

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Quick Facts

Abdication of the British throne in 1936
Marriage to Wallis Simpson

Love over crown": Edward VIII, abdicated for Wallis, changed royal history.

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Life Journey

1894Born at White Lodge, Richmond Park

Edward, Prince of Wales, was born to King George V and Queen Mary at White Lodge, Richmond Park, London.

1907Attends Cheam School

Edward begins his education at Cheam School, a preparatory school for boys in Ascot, Berkshire.

1909Enrolls at Eton College

Edward continues his education at Eton College, one of the most prestigious public schools in England.

1914Joins the Grenadier Guards

Edward joins the Grenadier Guards as a second lieutenant, beginning his military career during World War I.

1916Sees action in the Battle of the Somme

Edward serves on the Western Front during the Battle of the Somme, though he is not allowed to fight in the trenches.

1919Travels to Canada as Prince of Wales

Edward undertakes a royal tour of Canada, where he is warmly received and gains popularity.

1923Engages in multiple romantic relationships

Edward becomes involved in several high-profile romantic relationships, including with Freda Dudley Ward and Lady Thelma Furness.

1930Begins relationship with Wallis Simpson

Edward meets and begins a romantic relationship with Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American socialite.

1936Becomes King Edward VIII

Following the death of his father, King George V, Edward ascends to the throne as King Edward VIII.

1936Abdicates the throne

Edward abdicates the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, a decision that shocks the nation and leads to his brother, George VI, becoming king.

1937Marries Wallis Simpson

Edward marries Wallis Simpson in a private ceremony, becoming the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

1940Appointed Governor of the Bahamas

During World War II, Edward is appointed Governor of the Bahamas, a role he holds until 1945.

1952Attends funeral of King George VI

Edward and Wallis attend the funeral of King George VI, Edward's brother, in London.

1965Publishes autobiography 'A King's Story'

Edward publishes his autobiography, 'A King's Story,' recounting his life and abdication.

1972Dies in Paris, France

Edward, Duke of Windsor, dies at his home in Paris, France, after a long illness.

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