Edward VIII

Edward VIII (1894-1972), King of England, b. Richmond, Surrey.

Edward VIII, the eldest son of King George V, was a popular Prince of Wales.

He succeeded his father as King on 20 January, 1936, but gave up the throne on 11 December. This was because he intended to marry Mrs. Wallis Simpson, an American woman, who had been twice divorced, and the British Government did not approve of her as queen.

Afterwards, Edward became the Duke of Windsor and went to live abroad.

He died at his home in Paris on 28 May, 1972.