S1.61 Edward VIII (Abdication Crisis)

In 1936, a very different character came to the throne in the shape of Edward VIII. He was handsome, charismatic and a modern man with modern interests. Unfortunately, he was also in love with a twice-divorced American, Wallis Simpson, at a time when the Church of England would not tolerate re-marriage while the former spouse(s) was still alive. At odds with his Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, and Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Lang, Edward abdicated after less than a year on the throne, the only monarch to do so voluntarily, and married Wallis. Edward's reign may have been short, but this is one of the most (in)famous stories in royal history and his later association with Nazism has only increased his notoriety, but does this mean he can't win the Rex Factor, or will his star quality and famous life win through? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices