Forbidden love

King George V’s eldest son almost reversed his father’s qualities. Edward was full of charm, easily moved to emotion, informal and approachable. However, he lacked steadiness, strength of will and sense of duty. As Prince of Wales he showed concern in the plight of the poor and unemployed. At the same time he led a glittering set of international socialites. Always susceptible, he lost his heart at a critical moment to an American divorcee, Mrs. Wallis Simpson.

In1986 the Duchess of Windsor died in Paris a lonely old woman. Yet fifty years earlier, as Mrs. Wallis Simpson, she had been at the centre of the abdication of Edward VIII.

Her father had been a wealthy American businessman but his sudden death meant she was brought up in relatively poor circumstances. Her mother remained socially ambitious and Wallis took after her. After a failed first marriage Wallis married Ernest Simpson, an Anglo-American who had come into a family fortune.

In 1929, they moved to London, where she became a successful high society hostess. She soon became bored with Ernest, and a firm friendship developed between her and Edward, the heir to the throne.

Out of loyalty to the Royal Family, the British press kept the story a secret and any foreign papers which reported it were kept out of Britain. In December 1935, Edward became King and the final crisis was near. Edward’s mother, Queen Mary, looked down on Wallis and was completely against any idea of marriage. She and the Prime Minister tried to make Edward end the relationship.

The story finally became public when the Bishop of Bradford publicly denounced the affair. Wallis ran away to France. Public opinion would not let a twice-divorced American woman become Queen. The King would have to choose between Wallis and the throne. On 11^th December,1936,he abdicated, and left England for a life of exile with the woman he loved.

On Edward’s death in 1972, his body was buried in St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

Decide whether the statements are true or false.

1. Mrs. Wallis Simpson was at the centre of abdication of Henry VIII.

2. Her father was a poor American businessman.

3. She was brought up in rich circumstances.

4. She took after her mother.

5. After a successful first marriage she stayed in America.

6. In 1929, she moved to London but was not recognized by the British public.

7. Soon she fell in love with the heir to the throne.

8. The story was highlighted by the press.

9. King’s mother loved her very much.

10. The Bishop denounced their affair.

11. The King made his choice and left her.

12. They lived in Paris for 36 years.

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