Edward VIII of England, later known as the Duke of Windsor, ascended to the throne in 1936 after the death of his father, George V. He reigned for only 325 days.Official Site: Edward VIII (r. January-December 1936)
Abdication
Edward VIII abdicated due to the controversy over his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, a divorcee. He became the first English monarch to renounce his throne voluntarily.BBC News: Profile: Edward VIII Official Site: Edward VIII (r. January-December 1936)
After Abdicating The Throne
Edward VIII married Simpson in 1937 and went to live in France with the new title of Duke of Windsor. While living in Europe, he met with Adolf Hitler and other Nazi officials and visited a concentration camp. Some Britons felt that he was too sympathetic to Nazi Germany.Evening Standard: Touchy Subject of Royal Links with Nazi Germany (January 13, 2005)
Quotes
"I have made this, the most serious decision of my life, only upon the single thought of what would, in the end, be best for all."BrainyQuote: Edward VIII Quotes
"Of course, I do have a slight advantage over the rest of you. It helps in a pinch to be able to remind your bride that you gave up a throne for her."Official Site: Abdication Speech (29.09 KB)
Edward VIII of England Timeline
1898: Prince Edward of York born
1901: Is named Prince Edward of Cornwall and York
1907: Attends Royal Naval College at Osborne, Isle of Wight
1909: Attends Dartmouth Royal Naval College
1910: Becomes Prince Edward of Wales, The Duke of Cornwall,
1911: Invested as Prince of Wales
1936: Reigns as King
1936: Abdicates throne on December 11
1937: Married Wallis Simpson
1940-1945 Appointed Governor of the Bahamas by Winston Churchill
Edward VIII of England In Popular Culture
The majority of the following links are to IMDb which contains pop-ups.
1965: A King's Story
1972: The Woman I Love (TV)
1978: Edward & Mrs. Simpson (Mini TV series)
1988: The Woman He Loved (TV)
1995: Edward VIII: The Traitor King (TV)
1996: Edward on Edward (TV)
2005: Wallis & Edward (TV)