Edward VIII Book

A fairly evenhanded and unbiased account of the Duke of Windsor; a.k.a King Edward VIII. I would have liked to have seen more discussion on his later life after WWII as it only comprises two chapters. A vast majority of the book seemed to focus on his relationship with Germany.

It's no secret that the Duke of Windsor was ill equipped to be king of England. He lacked a sense of self-sacrifice and of duty that would be required to rule. Heavy is the head that wears the crown and he wasn't prepared for the sacrifice that was asked of him. I do feel that there was more to the abdication than marriage to Wallis. One day we may know. Wallis also reminds me of a modern day Anne Boleyn. There, I said it. She had ample opportunity to remove herself from the situation and walk away. She was married after all. And she didn't. She lead him to exile and away from his duty and obligation. However, it is fair to concede that England got the better end of the deal when George VI ascended the throne.

One can't help but feel for the Duke of Windsor. When he abdicated he seemed to genuinely feel that he could step into his brothers shoes and become a royal Duke and fulfill the role his brother did while his brother took his place. But you can't have your cake and eat it too. Donaldson summed the whole situation up best "...the Duke came very near falling into the trap his father had warned him about so long ago and confusing person with his position. It was to the later that the loyalists of the Prime Minister and the government belonged. Once they despaired of saving the monarch, it was their duty to save the monarchy."