Edward VIII

Date of Birth: June 23, 1894

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: May 28, 1972

Biography

Edward VIII, born Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Empire, and Emperor of India from January 20, 1936, until his abdication on December 11, 1936. Edward was born on June 23, 1894, to George V and Queen Mary. He ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King George V. His reign was marked by his decision to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée, which led to a constitutional crisis. The opposition from the British government and the Church of England to his marriage plans eventually led to his abdication, making him the only British monarch to have voluntarily relinquished the throne. After his abdication, Edward was bestowed the title of Duke of Windsor. He married Wallis Simpson in a private ceremony in France on June 3, 1937. The couple spent most of their lives in exile, living in various countries, including France and the United States. During World War II, Edward served as Governor of the Bahamas from 1940 to 1945. He authored an autobiography, “A King’s Story,” published in 1951, providing insight into his life and the reasons behind his abdication. Edward VIII died on May 28, 1972, in Paris, France. He was buried at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, near Windsor Castle.

5 Interesting Facts about Edward VIII

1. Edward VIII was the first British monarch to fly in an aircraft.

2. He was fluent in French and German, in addition to his native English.

3. Edward VIII had a keen fashion sense and was often considered one of the best-dressed men of his time.

4. He was the first British monarch to broadcast a speech on the radio.

5. Edward and Wallis Simpson’s relationship was depicted in the film “The King’s Speech” and the historical drama “W.E.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edward VIII

1. “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.”

2. “You can’t do anything to help your family. You have to let them suffer.”

3. “When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.”

4. “The thing that impresses me most about America is the way parents obey their children.”

5. “I like going abroad, but I think it is a mistake to assume that travel brings a better understanding of other people’s problems.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death, Edward VIII’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, which is approximately $12 million today when adjusted for inflation.