Member-only story

The Duchess of Windsor: The Secret Life of Wallis Simpson

Jeffrey Hayes

·10.7k Followers· Follow

Published in The Duchess Of Windsor: The Secret Life

5 min read

404 View Claps

54 Respond

Save

Listen

The Duchess of Windsor: The Secret Life

by Charles Higham

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1315 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages

Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, was a controversial figure who captivated the world with her glamorous lifestyle and scandalous love affair. Born in 1896 to an American family, Wallis had two failed marriages before she met Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1930.

Edward and Wallis's relationship caused a major scandal, as Wallis was a divorcee and Edward was the heir to the British throne. In 1936, Edward abdicated the throne in order to marry Wallis. The couple was married in a private ceremony in France, and they were given the titles Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor lived a life of luxury and glamour, traveling the world and attending social events. However, their relationship was also marked by controversy. Wallis was accused of being a Nazi sympathizer, and she was also criticized for her extravagant spending.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor died in 1972 and 1986, respectively. They are buried side by side at the Royal Burial Ground in Windsor Great Park.

Early Life and Marriages

Wallis Simpson was born Bessie Wallis Warfield in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania, on June 19, 1896. Her parents, Teackle Wallis Warfield and Alice Montague, divorced when she was a child. Wallis was raised by her mother and stepfather, William Simpson.

Wallis married her first husband, Earl Winfield Spencer Jr., in 1916. The couple divorced in 1927. Wallis then married her second husband, Ernest Simpson, in 1928. The couple divorced in 1936.

Relationship with Edward VIII

Wallis Simpson met Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1930. The two quickly fell in love, and they began a secret relationship. In 1936, Edward ascended to the throne as Edward VIII. However, his relationship with Wallis caused a major scandal, as she was a divorcee.

Edward and Wallis's relationship was met with disapproval from the British government and the public. Edward was pressured to give up the throne in order to marry Wallis. In 1936, Edward abdicated the throne, making him the first British monarch to do so since the 17th century.

Marriage and Exile

Edward and Wallis were married in a private ceremony in France on June 3, 1937. The couple was given the titles Duke and Duchess of Windsor. After their marriage, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor lived in exile in France.

Later Life and Death

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor returned to live in the United Kingdom in 1967. They lived in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris until 1972, when the Duke died of cancer. The Duchess of Windsor continued to live in the Bois de Boulogne until her death in 1986.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor are buried side by side at the Royal Burial Ground in Windsor Great Park.

Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, was a controversial figure who captivated the world with her glamorous lifestyle and scandalous love affair. She was a woman of strength and determination, and she lived her life on her own terms. Her story is a fascinating one, and it continues to be told today.

The Duchess of Windsor: The Secret Life

by Charles Higham

4.1 out of 5