There once was a king who gave up his never worn coronation crown for the woman he loved. Only his Prince of Wales head garnish would be his taste of bejeweled crown. Edward VIII would relinquish his duties as king and emperor to become the husband of Wallis. The man who would be king for eleven short months. All without the crown jewels in the tower of London, ermine robe, or throne of gilt. A brief reign for the sake of equitable love.

The courtiers and prime minister along with many advisors could not persuade him to toss aside his undying love for Mrs. Simpson. The Baltimore divorcee who had captured his heart and had become his all. It was the two of them, with crosses to bare, endless anguish and new found love, alone with their passion among the British aristocracy. The leaching press would give them no rest or privacy in their search for happiness in a country that would turn their back on them and they would soon abandoned. The throne awaiting, The Duke of York. A radio farewell to subjects, finding it hopeless to carry on his duties without the help and support, "of the woman I love."

After many months of the shock of abdication, and nerve stretching endless days and nights of separation, in the south of France, they became Duke and Duchess. A small token bestowed by his brother the then King George VI.

It was this lasting love that carried them through 34 years of marriage and being misunderstood. If ever the old adage was true, love did conquer all. First Edward, then Wallis would follow, to the graved area of Windsor Castle. Never receiving them in life as man and wife, but a mellowed and somewhat forgiving world now let them lie side by side in eternal peace. I'm sure Mrs. Browning's verse, "And if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death" was the closed chapter and epilogue of their lives as Edward and Wallis.

"My friend with thee to live alone,
methinks were better than to own,
a crown, a scepter and a throne."
Edward To Wallis

"Among our ancient mountains,
and from our lovely vales,
oh, let the prayer we echo,
God bless the Prince of Wales."
Wallis To Edward

Mark Edward Rogers

February 22, 2000