Good thread. I've always found the British Monarchy fascinating, especially this aspect of their history. As dysfunctional a bunch as you will ever see.

I remember learning in a television biography that there may have been much more to Edward's abdication than his love for Wallis Simpson (not Spencer - that was DIANA's last name). There was indication that his dealings with Hitler were a cause of great concern to the British Government (public conduct a HUGE factor), and this scandalous affair with the American divorcee was a convenient backdrop to literally force him from the throne. Far more pallatable for the public to lose their King to this 'love story of the century'.

It was stated in the biography that documentation detailing all of this is archived at Buckingham Palace, however Queen Elizabeth has never allowed it to be released.

Apple