After the death of his father, King George V, King Edward the VIII rules for less than a year, from January to December 1936 before abdicating his throne for his forbidden lover. On December 11, 1936, the King gives a radio broadcast, announcing his decision to abdicate his throne in order to avoid leading England into a constitutional crisis and leaves his brother the soon-to-be King George VI in his place. King Edward wishes to marry a two time divorcee, Wallis Simpson, and in doing so will lead his country into a constitutional crisis, requiring the government to resign. At this time, the Royal court generally keeps out divorcees and many people, both commoners and royals, do not believe Wallis will be suitable as Queen Consort. King Edward
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In the months leading up to his abdication, the British government highly advises King Edward against pursuing his relationship with Wallis Simpson. They believe his marriage to her “would not be acceptable to the government” and to appease the government and prevent them from having to resign, the King abdicates and announces it to the public (Price). His announcement comes as a general shock to the people and he does his best to profusely apologize for abruptly removing himself from the position of their ruler. He does not believe that without his love, he will be able to “carry the heavy burden of responsibility” as he “would wish to do” (Windsor). Because of this, he apologizes for his inability to further his country as he “wish[es]” he could for the betterment of the people and the country. Edward wants what will “in the end be best for all” and uses this to show that making his choice, he thinks of “all classes of the people” (Windsor). The government and public fear for the future of the “country and Empire” (Windsor). In England, the people do not know of the details of the King’s relationships with women, especially Wallis Simpson, and when revealed, the details “stun” the people (Price). In order to calm the fears of the people, the King …show more content…
The King of England should have everything that the people have and more and by telling the people they have something that he does not, Edward coerces forgiveness. The King’s inability to carry out the “heavy burden of responsibility” as best as he would like comes from his inability to get to have the “help and support of the woman [he] love[s].” Telling the people that his failure as King comes from not having the “help and support” from Wallis ignites guilt within the people that are against him and sympathize with him instead. People will believe that since he lacks the “matchless blessing” with Wallis of a “happy home with his wife and children” due to his kingship, they should allow him this in order to obtain a better ruler and country (Windsor). Edward points out that his brother, the succeeding King has, yet he does not. However, Edward notes that not just the royals get to partake in the “matchless blessing;” it is also “enjoyed by so many of [the commoners]” (Windsor). Royal families are always the wealthiest and most privileged of all the people in a country, so Edward forces them to feel as if they are doing something wrong and makes them feel sorry for the King’s lack of happiness because they get to “enjoy” something that he does not. Their sympathy alleviates the anger they have towards him and helps them to forgive
In the months leading up to his abdication, the British government highly advises King Edward against pursuing his relationship with Wallis Simpson. They believe his marriage to her “would not be acceptable to the government” and to appease the government and prevent them from having to resign, the King abdicates and announces it to the public (Price). His announcement comes as a general shock to the people and he does his best to profusely apologize for abruptly removing himself from the position of their ruler. He does not believe that without his love, he will be able to “carry the heavy burden of responsibility” as he “would wish to do” (Windsor). Because of this, he apologizes for his inability to further his country as he “wish[es]” he could for the betterment of the people and the country. Edward wants what will “in the end be best for all” and uses this to show that making his choice, he thinks of “all classes of the people” (Windsor). The government and public fear for the future of the “country and Empire” (Windsor). In England, the people do not know of the details of the King’s relationships with women, especially Wallis Simpson, and when revealed, the details “stun” the people (Price). In order to calm the fears of the people, the King …show more content…
The King of England should have everything that the people have and more and by telling the people they have something that he does not, Edward coerces forgiveness. The King’s inability to carry out the “heavy burden of responsibility” as best as he would like comes from his inability to get to have the “help and support of the woman [he] love[s].” Telling the people that his failure as King comes from not having the “help and support” from Wallis ignites guilt within the people that are against him and sympathize with him instead. People will believe that since he lacks the “matchless blessing” with Wallis of a “happy home with his wife and children” due to his kingship, they should allow him this in order to obtain a better ruler and country (Windsor). Edward points out that his brother, the succeeding King has, yet he does not. However, Edward notes that not just the royals get to partake in the “matchless blessing;” it is also “enjoyed by so many of [the commoners]” (Windsor). Royal families are always the wealthiest and most privileged of all the people in a country, so Edward forces them to feel as if they are doing something wrong and makes them feel sorry for the King’s lack of happiness because they get to “enjoy” something that he does not. Their sympathy alleviates the anger they have towards him and helps them to forgive