6 November (1978-11-06) – 20 December 1978 (1978-12-20)
Edward & Mrs. Simpson is a seven-part British television series that dramatises the events leading to the 1936abdication of KingEdward VIII, who gave up his throne to marry the twice-divorced AmericanWallis Simpson.
The series, broadcast in the US in 1979 as instalments of the nationally syndicatedMobil Showcase Network, won the 1980Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series, andBAFTA Awards in 1979 for Best Actor, Best Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Series or Serial. It has been released onDVD in Region 2 (UK) by Network, and in Region 1 (United States) byA&E.
"The Little Prince": Edward's life in the 1920s as Prince of Wales, his romances withFreda Dudley Ward andLady Furness, his introduction to Mr. and Mrs.Ernest Simpson. There is a slight historical query as the first official meeting of Edward and Mrs Simpson took place atBurrough Court nearMelton Mowbray,Leicestershire, on Saturday 10 January 1931.[2] The episode suggests a short meeting took place at the London residence of Lady Furness in the autumn of 1930 (which is not documented and therefore cannot be proved).
"Venus at the Prow": The romance between Edward and Mrs. Simpson develops, with regular weekends at his country homeFort Belvedere outside London near Windsor.
"The New King": Edward succeeds to the throne on the death of his father,King George V, in January 1936, and asks Mrs. Simpson to marry him. Mr. Simpson agrees to a divorce. The King, Mrs. Simpson, and friends cruise the Mediterranean, an event widely reported by the press outside Britain. Mrs Simpson is invited toBalmoral Castle, which causes difficulties with Edward's brotherBertie and his wifeElizabeth.
"The Divorce": Edward convinces Mrs. Simpson to go forward with her divorce; she would then be free to marry him and be crowned Queen at the coronation scheduled for May 1937. The King and the government pressure the British press to maintain silence about the King's romance, but news dribbles into Britain and gossip abounds.
"The Decision": Edward is warned that British press silence about his 'friendship' with Mrs. Simpson is about to be broken. The King tells the royal family and thePrime Minister that he intends to marry Wallis Simpson, and will abdicate if he cannot do so as King.
"Proposals": Attempts are made to resolve the problem without Edward abdicating, including a proposal put forth by the King for amorganatic marriage with Wallis Simpson. The British and Dominion governments oppose the marriage in any form.
"The Abdication": The final days of Edward as King as attempts to gain more time are undercut by Edward himself. The signing of the Deed of Abdication on 10 December 1936 at Fort Belvedere. The radio broadcast to the nation on 11 December 1936 from the Augusta Tower,Windsor Castle. Edward's exile sailing onHMS Fury from Portsmouth. The marriage of Edward and Mrs Simpson on 3 June 1937.[3]
In 1978, RK Records released an official soundtrack album (UK cat No: RKLP 5003). It had 12 tracks, some composed or arranged by Ron Grainer and all played by his orchestra.[4] The track listing is as follows:
The series was produced and aired during the Duchess of Windsor's lifetime and it is reported that although becoming increasingly ill, she found the series to be a gross invasion of her privacy. Her requests to be sent a copy of the script were apparently ignored and she received correspondence from people who said they would not watch the series.[6]
