The Secret Diaries Of Edward VIII's Wife | Wallis Simpson | Real Royalty

Real Royalty・2 minutes read

Wallis Simpson's secret letters and diaries reveal her reluctance to marry Edward VIII before his abdication, leading to an illegal collusion for their divorce. Despite her life with Edward, Wallis always longed for Ernest Simpson, realizing too late that he was her true love.

Insights

  • Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, was initially hesitant to marry Edward VIII and had planned to escape just before his abdication, showcasing her conflicted feelings and desire to avoid the marriage.
  • Despite marrying Edward, Wallis felt adrift and lonely, realizing too late that she truly loved her ex-husband Ernest Simpson, highlighting the enduring impact of her choices and the unfulfilled love she carried throughout her life.

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  • Who was Wallis Simpson?

    Wallis Simpson was the Duchess of Windsor.

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Summary

00:00

Wallis Simpson: Love, Abdication, and Regret

  • Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, was seen as a controversial figure, involved in a love story with Edward VIII that led to his abdication.
  • Secret letters and diaries found in an English attic reveal that Wallis was reluctant to marry Edward and planned to escape just before his abdication.
  • The divorce that allowed Edward to marry Wallis was shown to be an illegal collusion.
  • Wallis ended up spending her life with the wrong man, feeling adrift from the man she truly loved.
  • A cache of documents includes 15 intimate letters written by Wallis around the time of the abdication in 1936.
  • Wallis, fearful and lonely, wrote to her soon-to-be-ex-husband Ernest Simpson, expressing her troubles and fears.
  • The abdication of Edward VIII due to his desire to marry Wallis caused a sensation in Britain and beyond.
  • Wallis attempted to escape marrying Edward, drafting a note to the British government announcing her abandonment of the intention to marry him.
  • Despite her efforts, Wallis ended up marrying Edward, leading to a life she found unbearable.
  • Wallis, isolated in France after the abdication, reflected on her relationship with Ernest, realizing too late that she loved him.

19:35

Royal Mistress: Wallace's Love Triangle Dilemma

  • Salma witnessed the Prince of Wales playfully interacting with Mrs. Simpson during a lunch, signaling a shift in their relationship.
  • Thelma quickly grasped the change in dynamics between Wallace and Mr. Simpson, recognizing Wallace as the Prince's new romantic interest.
  • Edward invited Wallace to join his holiday party in the south of France, where their relationship intensified.
  • Wallace received valuable gifts from the Prince, accumulating a significant fortune in precious stones and objects.
  • Ernest Simpson, Wallace's husband, joked about her royal connections and benefited from them.
  • The game of being a royal mistress had specific rules, including discreet affairs and maintaining appearances.
  • Wallace understood the nature of her relationship with the Prince and planned to keep both him and Ernest in her life.
  • Wallace and Ernest enjoyed newfound luxuries and opportunities due to their royal connections.
  • Edward's intense passion for Wallace led to a public display of affection and a desire to marry her.
  • Wallace faced a pivotal decision to divorce Ernest and pursue a life with Edward, despite the complexities and challenges ahead.

39:16

Wallace's Longing: A Royal Love Story

  • Wallace was longing for Ernest while being trapped in a countdown to abdication and a future with Edward, awaiting the finalization of her divorce.
  • Ernest, understanding Wallace's turmoil, believed their divorce completion was necessary, as he couldn't see a future with her after the mess they were in.
  • The decree nisi for Wallace and Ernest's divorce was granted, allowing Wallace to marry Edward, with no royal family members attending the wedding.
  • Wallace hoped for an alternative coronation, but the wedding was marked by a chilling emptiness, with only a few attendees and a lack of expected guests.
  • Wallace continued to miss Ernest even after her marriage to Edward, expressing her ongoing thoughts and prayers for him, while they embarked on separate lives.
  • Wallace lived till 89, projecting an image of a happy marriage with Edward, but the new letters reveal that her true love was for Ernest, recognizing the deeper love and happiness he could offer her over the empty life with Edward.
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