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Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Wallis says she will give up Edward

 
December 7, 1936


In a "simple statement to the press,"  Mrs. Simpson, the American-born commoner whom King Edward VIII wants to marry, "proclaimed to the world tonight that she was willing to give up her love for the king in order that he would be free to marry "according to the dictates of the empire," reports the Associated Press.

The statement was written in the third person.  "Throughout the last weeks, she has invariably wished to avoid any action or proposal which might hurt or damage His Majesty or the throne.  Today her attitude is unchanged and she is willing if such action will solve the problem to withdraw forthwith from a situation that has become unhappy and untenable."

The King, however, remains "resolved" to marry Mrs. Simpson,  Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin told the House of Commons earlier today.   His speech "strongly inferred" that Mrs. Simpson would be Queen Wallis was not "broached by either himself or Edward" in their many discussions about the King's relationship.

Baldwin's speech "presented to the empire and the world"  the struggle between the throne and love:
*   The King is insisting that he will marry Mrs. Simpson
*   Mrs. Simpson has stated that she is ready to "surrender her love to the crown.
*   The British government will not sanction a morganatic marriage.
*   The Prime Minister has assured the dominions after the King makes his decision, will have their opportunity to "express their views."


Friends of Mrs. Simpson said that she has "repeatedly beseeched the monarchy to give her up to save his throne."  Edward wants to follow the "dictates of his heart" no matter what his government or Mrs. Simpson wants him to do.  He consented to her decision to flee to Cannes -- she is staying with Mr. and Mrs. Herman Rogers -- after he made clear that he is determined to keep his throne and marry her.

The king will not accept Mrs. Simpson's "tearful entreaties" to allow her to leave him.

Prime Minister Baldwin told the "anxious members" of the House of Commons that the King informed "me  of his intention to marry Mrs. Simpson whenever she should be free."

The final hearing for her divorce from Ernest Simpson will take place on April 27.


The New York Times's London correspondent describes the king as a "romantic lover, "who loves his cakes and ale better than the ceremonies and responsibilities incidental to kingship."

His mother, Queen Mary, and younger sister and brothers, including the Duke of York, who would become king if he abdicates, are all "urging him one way."   The thought of "the woman in Cannes is tugging him to the other.

Prime Minister Baldwin believes the King's decision must come soon.  Not in a "matter of weeks, but of days."



The Duke of York traveled today to Fort Belvedere to dine with his brother.

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2010/12/duke-of-york-dines-with-brother.html

Members of the former German ruling family have also offered their opinions on the growing constitutional crisis.

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2010/12/hohenzollerns-and-king-edwards-romance.html

If you liked this article, perhaps you can buy me a cup of coffee 

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