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Article: Wallis Warfield Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, RIP. (obituary)
- Article from:
- National Review
- Article date:
- May 23, 1986
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1986 National Review, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Wallis Warfield Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, RIP
IN THE CONFLICT between role and personal life, Edward VIII was luckier than most. By abdicating as King of England he both strengthened the monarchy and was able to marry the twice-divorced American whom he loved.
In 1936, the British Empire was a serious force in the world, a counterbalance to the rising power of Germany and Japan, and the monarchy, as the unifying symbol of the empire, was a serious matter. Though Winston Churchill regarded the King's emotions toward Mrs. Simpson as one of the great love stories of the century and urged that he be allowed to marry her and retain the throne, Prime ...