King Edward VIII | Edward VIII Abdication | DK Find Out
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Reigned: January–December 1936
Edward VIII (1894–1972) succeeded his father, King George V of Britain, in January 1936. Within a year, however, Edward abdicated (officially gave up his claim to the British throne and the title of king). The public were pleased when Edward succeeded his father, because his friendly personality was a change from George V's more traditional outlook. Edward wanted to marry an American woman called Wallis Simpson who was twice divorced (no longer married to her former husbands). At this time divorce was frowned upon in Britain. As king, Edward would be Head of the Church of England, which did not allow divorced people to remarry if their ex-wife or husband was still alive. The British Prime Minster, Stanley Baldwin, did not approve of Edward's personal life and knew that the Church of England, the British people, and those of the British Empire would object to having a queen who was twice-divorced. Stanley told Edward to choose between marrying Wallis or being king. Edward chose Wallis. On December 10, 1936, Edward delivered his message of abdication. He became the first member of the royal family to abdicate via a radio broadcast. After his abdication he was given the title Duke of Windsor. Edward married Wallis a year later during a civil (nonreligious) ceremony at the Chateau de Conde in France.