A Very Royal Crisis: Countdown to Abdication

Released: 2023-09-21

Runtime: None minutes

Episode Overview

In the 1930s, the Prince of Wales met and fell in love with an American socialite, Wallis Simpson. Their affair was an open secret. But, as this BBC Select Original Documentary reveals, things changed dramatically when the prince's father died and he was to be crowned King Edward VIII. Edward was determined to have Wallis as his Queen. Soon, as the story breaks, his life would lie in tatters.

Series Overview

This is the true tale of the biggest scandal ever to engulf the British Royal Family – a forbidden love affair which had a devastating impact. This series recounts the story behind the ten days leading to Edward VIII abdicating his throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. It would change the royals, the press and British history forever.