The first king of England to resign voluntarily from the throne

One of the most dramatic “episodes” in the royal history of England, starring king Edward VII. For the story he was the eldest son of the Duke of York and later King George V, ascended the throne on January 20, 1936 after the death of his father and was quite popular with the people of his country.

In November of the same year, he announced to the country’s prime minister that he was going to marry his beloved American Bessie Willis Simpson, who was twice divorced. And this is where the problems for him begin. During their meeting at Buckingham Palace, the Prime Minister of England informed the King that Simpson would not be accepted by the public – because of her two divorces – and that as she would become queen, at least the opinion of the people should be respected.

Almost a month later, on December 11, King Edward – after being criticized by the British government, church and people for his choice – announced his decision in front of the people, explaining the reasons that led him to it.

According to him and a radio interview he had given on the day of his resignation, as reported by tatler.com, King Edward VII found it completely unlikely that the “scenario” would assume his responsibility and weight. of the throne and fulfilling the king’s duties as he would like to do, without the help and support of the woman he loved.

This decision would affect the whole course of the history of the British royal family, as he was succeeded to the throne by his younger brother, the Duke of York, who became known as King George VI. In turn, King George VI would hand over the throne to his eldest daughter then Princess Elizabeth, forever changing the course of her life.

The former King Edward was given his title Duke of Windsor and left the country for Paris with his beloved Simpson, where he married her. He lived in the City of Light until his death – except for a time during World War II – on May 28, 1972 and was buried in Windsor Castle. Edward’s niece is the current Queen Elizabeth.

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