It’s one of the most famous love stories in history: King Edward VIII of England and Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee who caught the king’s eye and captured his heart. After years of courting the twice-divorced Wallis, Edward was deeply in love. Having taken the throne in January of 1936 upon his father’s death, Edward decided to marry Wallis and make her his Queen. He insisted to his advisors and leading British politicians that he and Wallis be allowed to marry. They refused Edward’s request, advising that his marriage to a commoner—especially a divorcee—would never be allowed. Forestalling the constitutional crisis that was looming, King Edward abdicated his throne on Dec. 10, 1936, in order to marry ‘the woman I love‘. Edward was King of England from January ~ December, 1936. He was never crowned.
Edward and Wallis Simpson married in June 1937. 
The couple, who were informed by Edward’s family following their marriage that they were not welcome in England, made their home in Paris. They developed friendships with many high-ranking members of the Nazi party. Edward and Wallis even socialized with Adolph Hitler. The British government feared that Edward and Wallis would become sympathizers with Nazi Germany. At the start of World War II, Edward was forced by the British government to take a position as Governor of the Bahamas, mostly to keep him far away from his German friends. Edward and Wallis spent the war years in the Bahamas. After the war, they returned to their home in Paris, where they lived until Edward’s death in 1972.
The royalty collections on display at Castle Farms include memorabilia honoring Edward and Mrs. Simpson, as well as other members of the British royal family. Taking a Castle tour allows your guests to enjoy viewing these and other fascinating collections during their visit to Castle Farms.