Abdication Crisis

Abdication Crisis

1. Jan 1936, the stabilising figure of King George V died

   • succeeded by his eldest son Edward VIII
     • concerns raised about his personal relationship with Wallis simpson
       • Married woman
         • Divorce was frowned upon and she had already been divorced once before.
       • American

2. Late Oct 1936 Mrs Wallis Simpson was granted her second divorce

   • In Nov, King told Baldwin he wanted to make Wallis Simpson his wife
     • Baldwin informed the King that British people would not accept a twice divorced woman as their queen
       • As well Baldwin was not fond of the King decision

3. King said that Wallis Simpson would not take the title of Queen

   • people did not listen to this suggestion
   • Early Dec situation appeared to have reached crisis point
     • King was the with the choice of - 'his thrown or Mrs Simpson'

4. 11th Dec King announced his abdication

   • Succeeded by his brother - King George VI
   • Edward went into exile and married Mrs Simpson in June 1937