Edward VIII

Edward VIII was king of the United Kingdom and the Dominions and emperor of India in 1936. He abdicated to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson.

Abdication of Edward VIII: The constitutional crisis in which Edward VIII gave up the British throne in December 1936. The defining event of his reign transferred the crown to his brother.
Wallis Simpson: An American socialite whose relationship with Edward VIII became the focus of the 1936 abdication crisis. Edward relinquished the throne to marry her.
House of Windsor: The royal house that has reigned in the United Kingdom since 1917. Edward belonged to the dynasty renamed by his father during the First World War.
Morg anatic marriage: A marriage in which a spouse of lower rank and the children do not receive the higher-ranking spouse’s titles or succession rights. A morganatic arrangement was considered but could not resolve the political and constitutional objections.
George VI: King of the United Kingdom from 1936 until his death in 1952. Edward’s abdication made his younger brother king.
George V: King of the United Kingdom from 1910 to 1936 and Edward VIII’s father. His reign established the royal family and expectations Edward inherited.
Prince of Wales: A title traditionally held by the heir apparent to the British throne. Edward held the title for more than two decades before becoming king.
Constitutional monarchy: A system in which a monarch’s powers are limited by constitutional rules and conventions. Edward’s personal choice confronted ministers’ constitutional responsibilities.
Elizabeth II: Queen of the United Kingdom from 1952 to 2022 and daughter of George VI. Her father’s unexpected accession placed her next in the line of succession.
Mary of Teck: Queen consort of the United Kingdom from 1910 to 1936 and mother of Edward VIII. Her son’s marriage and abdication strained the royal family.

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