The Crown and Controversy: Edward VIII, Wallis Simpson, and Their Quest for the Throne

Between January 20th, 1936, and December 11th, 1936, Edward VIII was officially declared King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom and other territories, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, Defender of the Faith, and Emperor of India.

During his brief reign, both King Edward VIII and his consort, Mrs. Wallis Simpson, sought to legitimize and formalize their royal relationship. It is probable that they both desired for Mrs. Simpson to receive the title of Queen. However, due to the political and societal ramifications of a morganatic marriage at the time, their plans faced significant obstacles.

The Brief Reign of King Edward VIII

Edward VIII ascended the throne in the summer of 1936, yet his tenure was short-lived due to public disapproval of his relationship with Wallis Simpson. The couple's marital status, in particular, was highly controversial given that Wallis was a divorced woman and was currently involved in a second divorce, a situation that was quite unprecedented and treated with extreme disdain by both the public and the political establishment.

Attempting to navigate these complexities, King Edward VIII proposed a morganatic marriage to Wallis, which would have allowed his wife to retain her social status but not receive royal status within the royal hierarchy. This, however, was deemed unacceptable by his advisors. The expectation that the King would marry and produce legitimate heirs was paramount, and a morganatic marriage would have significantly undermined his ability to do so.

In the end, Edward VIII's resolve to marry Wallis overrode his duty to the monarchy. He chose to abdicate, officially stepping down from the throne to avoid causing a constitutional crisis and to preserve royal legitimacy. This act has since cemented his place in British history as the only king to voluntarily renounce the throne.

Wallis Simpson's Ambitions

Mrs. Wallis Simpson certainly seemed to have grand plans for her role in the royal family. Her disdain for the Queen Mother and her outspoken attitude towards the then-Princess Elizabeth indicate that she was aware of and possibly angry about the limited royal status granted to her. The designation of the Duke of Windsor for Wallis—albeit with the title "His Royal Highness"—seemed insufficient for someone who fancied herself Queen.

However, there are no concrete historical records that definitively prove Wallis Simpson's ambitions as Queen. Her behavior and public statements about her dissatisfaction with her royal position provide indirect evidence of her desires. Her contempt for the Queen Mother and the reluctance to be addressed as a royal, despite her title as Duchess of Windsor, further support the hypothesis that Wallis was indeed hoping for a more authoritative role within the monarchy.

Conclusion

The story of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson is a testament to the intricate and often flawed relationships between personal desires and the expectations of a monarchy. While there is evidence suggesting that both parties desired a more elevated status within the royal family, the reality of the situation saw King Edward VIII abdicate and Wallis Simpson relegated to the role of a Duchess without the title of Queen.

The legacy of this period in British history continues to fascinate, prompting questions about the power dynamics within the monarchy and the role of women in royal succession. This story serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination with the British Monarchy and the public's interest in the personal lives of its members.