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Edward VIII | The king who gave up the throne for the woman he loved
About this collection
In January 1936, King George V died and his son Edward, Prince of Wales, became King. Just 11 months later, before his Coronation had even taken place, Edward renounced the throne due to his relationship with Wallis Simpson.
In this collection, we hear broadcasts that Edward made as Prince of Wales and during his brief reign. Friends of the prince join historians to share their insights into the uncrowned King and discuss how the abdication changed the course of the British monarchy. We also hear from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor themselves as they reflect on their lives and that momentous decision.
Features
- Edward VIII, King of Great Britain
Edward VIII, King of Great Britain
- Tuesday Documentary: The Uncrowned King
- Timewatch: The Duke of Windsor
- Abdication of King Edward VIII
Abdication of King Edward VIII
Farewell Speech from Windsor Castle
Edward VIII Collection
- Programmes (18)
- Documents (3)
British Empire Exhibition
Wembley 1924
Edward, Prince of Wales, and King George V open the British Empire Exhibition.
Edward, Prince of Wales
Trade with the Argentine
A speech at the British Empire Trade Exhibition.
Edward, Prince of Wales
The Voluntary Service and Unemployment
How 'mutual help' might provide a solution to the unemployment problem.
Edward, Prince of Wales
The Poppy Appeal
'They must never be forgotten while we are safe and free.'
Edward, Prince of Wales
King George V's Jubilee Trust Fund
A rallying call for volunteers.
Proclamation of Accession of King Edward VIII
From St James's Palace
Announcing the new King.
Proclamation of Accession of King Edward VIII
From the Royal Exchange
Announcing the new King at the Royal Exchange, London.
Edward VIII, King of Great Britain
Edward VIII's first message to the Empire as King.
Abdication of King Edward VIII
Farewell Speech from Windsor Castle
'The decision I have made has been mine - and mine alone.'
Round-Up
Duke and Duchess of Windsor Visit England
The Windsors' first official royal engagement in Britain since the abdication.
Edward, HRH Duke of Windsor
Kenneth Harris interviews the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
Tuesday Documentary
The Uncrowned King
What kind of monarch might Edward VIII have been?
The House of Windsor
Lady Bridget Monckton
Lady Monckton discusses her husband's friendship with King Edward VIII.
The House of Windsor
Lady Alexandra Metcalfe
Recollections of a friend of Edward, Prince of Wales.
All About Books
Diana Mosley
Russell Harty interviews Diana Mosley about her biography of the Duchess of Windsor.
A Foot in the Door
Alex Dempster
How King Edward VIII's affair was made public.
What If ?
Edward VIII
What might have happened if King Edward VIII had remained on the throne?
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