The Royal Wedding That Shocked the World
The question "Which royal married a divorced woman?" immediately brings to mind one of the most sensational and consequential events in modern British royal history: the abdication of King Edward VIII to marry Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who had been married twice before.
Who Was Wallis Simpson?
Wallis Warfield Simpson, born Bessie Wallis Warfield in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 19, 1896, was an American socialite who would capture the heart of the heir to the British throne. Her life was marked by a series of marriages and a move to England that would ultimately place her at the center of a constitutional crisis.
- Her first marriage was to Earl Winfield Spencer Jr. in 1916, which ended in divorce in 1927.
- Her second marriage was to Ernest Simpson, an American businessman, in 1928. It was during this marriage that she met and began her relationship with Edward, then the Prince of Wales.
Wallis Simpson was known for her sophisticated style and her ability to charm, qualities that undeniably drew the attention of the Prince of Wales.
The Prince of Wales and His Controversial Romance
Edward, Prince of Wales, was the eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary. He was a charismatic figure, popular with the public, and had served in the military during World War I. However, his reign was destined to be short-lived, largely due to his infatuation with Wallis Simpson.
The Prince met Wallis Simpson in 1931, while she was still married to Ernest Simpson. Their relationship deepened over the years, and by 1934, it was evident to many that they were more than just friends. This was a deeply problematic situation for the British monarchy and its government.
The Constitutional Crisis
In January 1936, King George V died, and Edward ascended to the throne as King Edward VIII. The British government, led by Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, was acutely aware of the relationship between the King and Wallis Simpson. The prospect of a twice-divorced woman, an American at that, becoming Queen Consort was met with widespread opposition from the establishment, including the Church of England, of which the monarch is the Supreme Governor.
The Church of England did not permit remarriage after divorce if the former spouse was still alive. Therefore, if Edward were to marry Wallis Simpson while she was still married to Ernest Simpson, or even after her divorce, she would not be recognized as Queen. Furthermore, the idea of a King marrying a divorced woman, especially one who had been divorced twice, was seen as scandalous and highly inappropriate for the head of state.
Edward, however, was unwilling to give up Wallis. He was deeply in love and believed he could marry her and remain King. When it became clear that the government would not approve the marriage, and that he could not marry Wallis and retain the throne, Edward was faced with an impossible choice.
"I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love."
— King Edward VIII, in his abdication speech
The Abdication and Marriage
On December 10, 1936, King Edward VIII signed the Instrument of Abdication. The following day, the British Parliament passed the His Majesty's Declaration of Abdication Act, formally making the abdication law. This marked the first time in over 200 years that a reigning monarch had abdicated the British throne.
Edward's younger brother, Prince Albert, Duke of York, then ascended to the throne as King George VI. He was the father of the current Queen Elizabeth II.
After his abdication, Edward was created Duke of Windsor. He and Wallis Simpson were finally able to marry. Their wedding took place on June 3, 1937, at Château de Candé in Monts, France. The marriage was a private affair, attended by a small number of guests. Wallis Simpson became Wallis, Duchess of Windsor.
Life After the Abdication
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor lived a life of semi-exile. They spent much of their time in France, often engaging in social engagements and living a life of luxury. During World War II, the Duke served in various capacities, including as Governor of the Bahamas, but his role was often viewed with suspicion by the British government due to his past and his perceived sympathies.
The marriage of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson remains one of the most talked-about events in royal history, a testament to the power of love, and the often-unyielding strictures of duty and tradition within a monarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the British public react to the news of the King's marriage plans?
The reaction was largely one of shock and disapproval. While some sympathized with the King's personal happiness, the majority of the public, and certainly the establishment, viewed a marriage to a divorced woman as a serious breach of tradition and duty. The Church of England's stance was particularly influential in shaping public opinion.
Why was it such a big deal for a King to marry a divorced woman at that time?
In the 1930s, divorce carried a significant social stigma. The monarch, as the head of the Church of England, was expected to uphold certain moral and religious standards. The Church did not permit remarriage after divorce if the former spouse was alive, meaning Wallis Simpson would be considered unable to marry the King within the church's doctrines. This created a profound conflict between the King's personal desires and his constitutional and religious responsibilities.
Did Wallis Simpson ever become Queen?
No, Wallis Simpson never became Queen. When Edward VIII abdicated the throne, he forfeited his right to reign. His younger brother, George VI, became King, and his wife, Elizabeth, became Queen Consort. Wallis Simpson was known as the Duchess of Windsor after her marriage to the former King.
