The American Duchess: The Real Wallis Simpson

A divorced American woman, Wallis Simpson was not welcomed by 1930s Britain when she entered a relationship with King Edward VIII. Rather, she became one of the most vilified women of the twentieth century – the opposition against her so fierce that in order to marry the woman he loved, Edward was forced to surrender his throne. He didn’t pause to consider for moment that she, not he, would be blamed for his history altering decision. Hated by the male-run establishment and the royal family for disgracing the throne, Wallis has been cemented in history as one of the most destructive forces against the British Monarchy. But was she really a conniving social climber? Or simply the love of Edward’s life? In this intimate retelling of their love story, Anna Pasternak tells how twisted gossip and public distrust has always haunted women who dare to fall for an English royal. From Edward and Wallis’s first meeting, through their whirlwind courtship to the drama of the abdication and their final listless years in exile, Pasternak uncovers the life and legacy of one the most misjudged characters in British royal history. Finally, Wallis has been given her authentic voice.

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This talk is available to view for FREE. On the date and at the time above access our website and follow the link for the 2020 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Digital Literary Festival.