December 11 ~  Gallant Spirit Treasury of Royal Scandals

"For a gallant spirit there can never be defeat." ~ Wallis Simpson

The Duke of Windsor After a "long and anxious consideration," on this day in 1936, less than a year after he was crowned King of England, Edward VIII (1894-1972) abdicated his throne to marry the woman he loved, Wallis Warfield Simpson (1896-1986).

"I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love," he said in an incredible radio broadcast.

About love, religious philosopher `Abdu’l-Bahá'said, "When one loves, nothing is too much trouble, and there is always time."

The twice-divorced Simpson, born in Baltimore, was deemed inappropriate for the crown. She once said, "A woman's life can really be a succession of lives, each revolving around some emotionally-compelling situation or challenge, and each marked off by some intense experience."

Edward was given the title "Duke of Windsor" by his brother, King George VI. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were married in June 1937 and lived the rest of their lives in voluntary exile in Paris.

Even then, the drama continued and Edward died just 10 days after a historic meeting that healed the family rift.

There remains a lasting fascination about the couple. In December 2013, Sotheby's in London auctioned family gifts and jewelry owned by them.

"A woman's life can really be a succession of lives, each revolving around some emotionally compelling situation of challenge, and each marked off by some intense experience," Simpson said.

Royal BabylonCelebrate your gallant spirit!



Wallis Simpson