Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication

In December 1936, Edward VIII, the ruling monarch of Britain, faced a constitutional crisis when he wished to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson and crown her as his Queen. This scandalised the Establishment and led to a coalition against him. However, he also had supporters who offered him the chance to remain on the throne and keep Wallis. This event tore the country apart and has been written about before, but never with the suspense and pace of a thriller. THE CROWN IN CRISIS is a meticulously researched, incisively written, and fresh approach to this seismic event, appealing to a new audience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2021
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

In December 1936, Britain faced a constitutional crisis that posed the gravest threat to the monarchy since the execution of Charles I. The ruling monarch, Edward VIII, expressed his desire to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson and crown her as his Queen. This decision scandalized the Establishment, who were determined to avoid an international embarrassment at a time when war seemed imminent. An influential coalition formed against him, including the Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, his private secretary Alec Hardinge, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the editor of The Times. Edward faced a dilemma: either give up Wallis and remain a reluctant ruler, or abdicate his throne. However, he had his own supporters, including Winston Churchill, the Machiavellian newspaper proprietor Lord Beaverbrook, and his brilliant adviser Walter Monckton. They offered him the chance to remain on the throne and keep Wallis. But at what cost?

"THE CROWN IN CRISIS" is a groundbreaking exploration of this unthinkable and unprecedented event that tore the country apart. Written with meticulous research, incisive writing, and a fresh approach, this book brings the events of that time to thrilling life. It appeals to an entirely new audience, offering a fresh perspective on a seismic event that has been written about before.

Edward VIII's decision to marry Wallis Simpson caused a constitutional crisis that threatened the stability of the monarchy. The Establishment, including political leaders, religious figures, and the media, were opposed to the marriage, viewing it as a threat to British tradition and the country's reputation. They rallied against Edward, pressuring him to abandon his plans and uphold the traditional values of the monarchy.

However, Edward was not without his supporters. Some believed that his love for Wallis was genuine and that he should be allowed to follow his heart. They argued that the monarchy needed to modernize and adapt to the changing times, and that his marriage could be a step in the right direction. These supporters included Winston Churchill, who saw the marriage as a way to strengthen the alliance between Britain and the United States.

Despite the opposition, Edward remained determined to marry Wallis. He faced a difficult decision, as abdicating the throne would mean giving up his position as the head of the British Empire. However, he also knew that continuing with the marriage would be detrimental to the monarchy and the country.

In the end, Edward chose to abdicate the throne on December 11, 1936. He became the first British monarch to do so in over 300 years, and Wallis became the Queen Consort of the United Kingdom. The marriage was widely celebrated in the United States, but it was met with opposition and criticism in Britain.

The abdication of Edward VIII marked a significant turning point in British history. It brought an end to the monarchy's traditional role as a unifying force in the country and paved the way for a more democratic and modern government. It also highlighted the power of the media and the influence of public opinion on political decisions.

In conclusion, the constitutional crisis of 1936 was a pivotal moment in British history. It brought to light the complex dynamics of the monarchy, the power of the Establishment, and the influence of public opinion. "THE CROWN IN CRISIS" provides a comprehensive exploration of this event, offering a fresh perspective on a seismic moment that shaped the country.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474612586