Ruled Great Britain 20 January 1936 - 11 December 1936 (abdicated). Edward VIII (called David by his family) had been a very popular Prince of Wales, known for his style, charm and affability. He was drawn to mature married ladies, and had shown no interest in marrying until he met the twice divorced American, Wallis Simpson. Edward VIII's determination to marry Wallis was an impossibility given that a monarch was automatically head of the Church of England which opposed remarriage after divorce, and the impasse provoked a government crisis. Although not discussed publically at the time, the government was also very concerned about his open admiration for the Nazi Party in Germany. After less than a year as King, Edward abdicated and lived out his life with Wallis in exile in France. |
