Edward VIII belonged to the
House of Windsor (Saxe-Coburg-Gotha). Born in 1894, he ascended to the throne in 1936 and died in 1980. He was preceded as monarch by
George V and was succeeded by
George VI.
At the time of his birth at White Lodge, Richmond Park, his parents were the Duke and Duchess of York. On his father's ascension in 1910, Edward became heir to the throne, and became Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester. While Prince of Wales he traveled through the world, visiting all parts of the British Empire, and was very well known at the time of his father's death in 1936.
Edward was at that time in a serious relationship with Wallis Simpson, a still-married American woman. His attempt to marry her and keep the throne ended with his being forced to abdicate in favor of his younger brother, in December, 1937. His brother created him Duke of Windsor.
The duke served as ambassador to the Bahamas during the war and later lived in Paris. He returned seldom to Britain. He died in 1972 and was buried at Windsor Castle.
