The king chose love over a crown and broke Britain's heart — but whose side are you on?
Season 1 • Episode 3
LatestThe British nation was divided as the crisis concerning Edward VIII and his relationship with divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson rumbled on. In the eye of the storm, Edward battled with his aides and family members before making his famous broadcast to the nation and relinquishing the crown.
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.
Editing
Archival footage collides with dramatic reconstruction beautifully.
Writing
Treats Wallis as complicated human, not cartoon villain.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Edward's abdication speech was recorded at Windsor Castle in one take — his stammer and all. The BBC engineer famously wept.
This crisis invented the modern royal scandal template: private passion becomes public crisis becomes media feeding frenzy. Harry and Meghan walked a path Edward carved.
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