Why Did King Edward VIII Abdicate? He Followed His Heart

https://www.thoughtco.com/king-edward-viii-abdicated-for-love- [login to see] Edward VIII, King of the United Kingdom until his abdication on Dec 11th, 1936), dies at the age of 77. From the introduction:

"King Edward VIII did something that monarchs do not have the luxury of doing—he fell in love. King Edward was in love with Mrs. Wallis Simpson, not only an American but also a married woman already once divorced. However, in order to marry the woman he loved, King Edward was willing to give up the British throne—and he did, on Dec. 10, 1936.


To some, this was the love story of the century. To others, it was a scandal that threatened to weaken the monarchy. In reality, the story of King Edward VIII and Mrs. Wallis Simpson never fulfilled either of these notions; instead, the story is about a prince who wanted to be like everyone else."