unit 1: what were churchill’s views on the abdication of edward VIII? Flashcards
what was king edward’s personality like?
king edward (david) was seen as neurotic and unstable, playboy reputation, he served in the armed forces during world war one and carried imperial tours and opening evenings, liked older married women, parties of the roaring twenties’, nazi supporter & political.
who was wallis simpson?
wallis simpson was a twice divorced american woman.
why could the king not marry her?
the king was a church of england and and as such committed to defending its values, including opposition to divorce.
what did stanley baldwin tell him?
in november 1936, the prime minister stanley baldwin told the king that public opinion would not accept wallis simpson as queen.
what did the king propose?
edward proposed a morganatic marriage where she would be consort, but this would have to be approved by parliament in britain and self-governing dominions. the cabinet did not approve.
when did he abdicate?
in december 1936 edward broadcast his speech of abdication.
churchill’s opinion on his abdication
he was a member of a limited and informal group called ‘the king’s friends’ who undertook to support the monarch for reasons of personal loyalty and chivalry.
