(1894–1972)
the eldest son of King George V . He became the king of Great Britain and Ireland when his father died in January 1936, but never had the crown officially placed on his head. He had fallen in love with Mrs Simpson , an American who was divorced, and it was not acceptable at that time that he should marry her and remain king. So in December 1936, he abdicated (= gave up his position as king) and his brother became King George VI , giving Edward the title of Duke of Windsor . Edward married Mrs Simpson in June 1937, and they lived in France for many years.
See also abdication crisis .