Myth Debunked: Did Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor Ever Divorce?
The relationship between Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor has been the subject of much discussion and speculation, with many believing that they ultimately divorced. However, the truth is quite different from what is often claimed. This article aims to clarify the historical facts and debunk the myth that Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor ever separated or divorced.
Historical Context and Background
Wallis Simpson, born Auf Dünsen Wallis in 1896, was an American socialite who became widely known for her relationship with the Duke of Windsor, who was then Prince Edward, the second son of King George V. The couple's relationship began in 1934, during a period of great public scrutiny and controversy regarding their personal lives.
Abdication and Marriage
Prince Edward's marriage to Wallis Simpson was not seen favorably by the British public and the establishment. The couple's relationship became a significant political issue, as King Edward VIII's decision to marry Simpson would have required him to assume a divorced woman as his wife, which was not acceptable according to the Church of England's laws of marriage at the time. This led to the abdication crisis.
On 10 December 1936, Prince Edward abdicated the British throne, ending his reign as King Edward VIII and paving the way for his brother, King George VI, to ascend to the throne. Shortly after his abdication, the couple married in France on 3 June 1937. They became the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, respectively, replacing their titles.
Life After Abdication and Marriage
Following their marriage, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor lived a life of luxury, traveling extensively and maintaining a public profile that was often scrutinized. The couple's final years saw them living in Paris, where the Duke passed away on 28 May 1972. Wallis Simpson, who outlived her husband by several years, passed away on 24 April 1986.
Common Misconceptions and Debunking Them
There are several misconceptions and myths surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's relationship and their eventual fate. Some believe that the couple divorced, while others propose that the Duke lived abroad and was subsidized by the British crown or engaged in controversial activities. However, all of these claims are without factual basis.
As the Duke and Duchess remained together until the end, and the Duke specifically asked the Queen to grant permission for their burial together in 1972, it is clear that they did not divorce. The posthumous arrangement to be buried together was an acknowledgment of their long-standing union and mutual respect.
Conclusion
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor's relationship and their lives after abdication were marked by public scrutiny and personal drama. However, the historical record firmly establishes that Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor never divorced. The couple lived together till the death of the Duke in 1972, and Wallis Simpson passed away ten years later, in 1986, both maintaining their lifelong bond.
Understanding the factual details of their relationship and the historical context surrounding their lives helps to dispel myths and provides a clearer picture of one of the most significant royal scandals of the 20th century.