The Duke of Windsor and His Royal Titles After Abdication

After abdicating his throne in 1936, King Edward VIII, who later became the Duke of Windsor, retained his royal title, Royal Highness. This decision was made by his brother, King George VI, who believed that Edward was still entitled to this title due to his noble lineage.

King George VI's Decision

King George VI, who ascended to the throne following Edward's abdication, issued a statement deciding that Edward could keep the title of Royal Highness (HRH). However, this decision was met with opposition from many political officials who were against Edward retaining his royal status. King George VI stood firm in his decision, reasoning that Edward's birth in the lineal succession entitled him to the title.

The Controversial Decision and Its Aftermath

While King Edward VIII was allowed to retain the title of Royal Highness, his wife, the former Wallis Warfield Simpson, was denied the same honor by King George VI. The Duke, deeply aggrieved by the decision, lobbied the royal family and government for a reversal. Despite his efforts, his wife, the Duchess of Windsor, never received the title of Royal Highness during her lifetime.

The Duchess's grave marker at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore simply bears her name as "Wallis Duchess of Windsor," without the title "Her Royal Highness." This reflects the decision that Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family made to deny the Duchess the royal title, even posthumously. Many insiders speculated that the title might have been awarded to the Duchess posthumously, but this was never implemented.

The Duke of Windsor

The Duke of Windsor, with his unique title, is a fascinating figure in British history. He is the only royal title he held, as the rule stipulates that only one can be King at a time. Upon his abdication, he ceased to be King Edward VIII and took on the title of Duke of Windsor, a title bestowed upon him by King George VI.

Before his abdication, Edward was King Edward VIII. After abdicating, he did not retain the title of King. Instead, the title of Duke of Windsor was created for him by his brother, reflecting a new chapter in his life.

Conclusion

The peculiar circumstances surrounding the Duke of Windsor's abdication and subsequent life serve as a testament to the complex nature of royal succession and titles. The decision to allow him to retain his Royal Highness title, while denying his wife the same, remains a topic of much discussion and debate in royal history.