The Original Harry and Meghan: Traitor King # 3 “The Bizarre Wedding of an Ex-King”

[@kamirobey175]

The reason that David and Wallace's relationship was seen as Romantic, according to my Grandmother who told me the story when I was younger, who had been 17 at the time, is that a King loved a woman so much that he gave up his crown for that love. I really wasn't until the 80s or later that the whispers about David and Wallace's political leanings became much, much louder and people began to discover the truth. The palace, along with Queen Mary, took the hard line stance that no member of the Royal Family would attend the wedding of Wallace and David, because they were desperately worried, and rightly so, that the Abdication could destroy the country and they wanted to distance themselves from the whole mess. Keep in mind that the last two Monarchs who had been forcibly removed from the throne, hadn't exactly fared well. As for why Lord Mountbatten did not go to the wedding, there were two reasons, 1. He was actually a part of the Royal Family, although on the outer ranks, so when the orders came that none of the Royal Family would be free to attend the wedding, Dickie Mountbatten could have flaunted those orders, but and here's reason #2. Mountbatten and David had been very good friends when growing up, and there were some who questioned his loyalty to the Crown,so if he had gone to the wedding, he could have put his whole career and standing in jeopardy, and Mountbatten was most certainly ambitious. Queen Mary flaunted tradition and attended Bertie, King George VI's coronation because she wanted to first of all show public support, and secondly there were a lot of people connected with the Palace who worried would not make it through the Coronation, not only because of his speech impediment, but he was devastated because he felt his brother, whom he had looked up to and idolized his entire life, had basically thrown him to the wolves. Bertie was not, or at least that was the opinion of a lot of people, raised for a position in the public eye. Turns out he was exactly the right person to be King at that moment in history and his Daughter, in my American Opinion, will probably go down as One of the best if not THE Best Monarch to sit on that throne. Sorry about the long statement, but this is one of my favorite topics to talk about and it's rare to find others who feel the same way.

[@Anna-Bernadette]

I absolutely love your story ❤

[@avagrego3195]

agree and very well written

[@anneking2631]

Who were the last 2 Kings forcibly rem9v3d from the British throne

[@SheNiteOwl]

Very well stated. Yes, the man who needed to be King became King. WWII may have ended differently if David had been King. They had Churchill but David was weak and could have let secrets out that could have changed history.

[@nadine8764]

Appreciate your opinion and thanks for sharing your moments with your mum 😊

[@jamesl9371]

So many similarities between these couples is amazing

[@MaryB-tx2xq]

Except that the initial welcome provided for MM was far more generous, much more than others in her (MM) position in recent times

[@michelegraham9044]

Don’t think Markle hadn’t done a lot of study on Mrs Simpson. I thought HMTLQ played a blinder when Markle was asking for Frogmore House, a VERY impressive looking building after being denied being allowed to move in with granny at Windsor Castle. This was already AFTER the tax payers had spent £1.2 million on upgrading the 21 room apartment at Kensington Palace that elderly relatives had had to move out of for them BUT it wasn’t good enough for them. So Frogmore Cottage it was , with an even more expensive upgrade and Wallis lying dead in the backyard 😂.

[@michelegraham9044]

@@MaryB-tx2xqain’t that the truth. Sadly m their (the family) big mistake. I’m of the opinion that she was putting the family, particularly Harry naturally, behind the scenes with her habit of “megnancies” and “mythcarriages “ and goodness knows what else.

[@SheNiteOwl]

​@@michelegraham9044I totally agree. The Queen could checkmate like no other and did it with class. The Queen saw Wallace 2.0 and knew how to handle it.

[@kittyb9383]

It sure is amazing! Wallis had one solitary female relative at her wedding - Aunt Bessie, and Meghan had one solitary female relative at her wedding - her mother. Yet one more similarity between the two of them!

[@sagrammyfour]

Your ability to understand , explain and clarify for your listeners, then knit the whole thing together in the context of history, along with your own understanding of human behavior are truly extraordinary. You are a natural born teacher. As important as written history, an observer who can tell the story to others is vital to a society. This is the modern day version of the storytellers of old who kept the chronicles of the tribe alive, those who told the stories around the campfire. Factual and accurate, the addition of your personal observations enhance our understanding and are entertaining. Thanks.

[@cheeredenise]

That’s the kindest thing I have ever been told!!! Thank you for being so thoughtful!!

[@loubieloujones5698]

I'd like to second that. You are absolutely spot on 👌

[@lisalivingston6473]

@sagrammyfour Well said...I totally agree!

[@mezzamuddle]

Very well said 👏 😊

[@kathywhite9448]

I agree 100%. Cheere, you are head and shoulders above the other KZbinrs who are reviewing this book and Spare as well. No one can weave all the facets together as you can. Your impressions are excellent, and your wit makes your videos even more fun! I look forward to future videos. Keep ‘em coming! ❤😊

[@mimib95]

It’s astonishing to learn of the similarities between their antics and Harry and Meghan and also helps us to understand why the current Royal Family have taken a giant step back because history has a template. Thank you for bringing this story alive.

[@BackToNature123]

It's truly astounding how many times it could well have been written about Harry and Meghan. If we didn't understand it's a result of their character flaws, it would be believable that ginge and whinge deliberately copied them

[@s.d.9543]

Except for the fact that Wallis never maligned the royal family as Meghan did. She realized her place in the pecking order unlike the narcissist Meghan who has tried to bring them down.

[@anjo2932]

Except with MM it's all about fame & fortune even if Harry is too dim to realise that. That was not the not the case with Wallis Simpson because she was actually still in love with her ex-husband. Yet, she married Edward so not to make him a laughing stock and she stayed with him to very end. I doubt very much that MM will be so kind once she has what she wants which is fame & fortune in the US. Harry is either to dim to realise that or he is still jealous of his brother. Which is something that Harry's mother even admitted to. Furthermore, you missed the point that Germany was excluded from the treaty of versailles and that was a huge mistake because that meant that a nation that was already in trouble with it's people starving and everything of value taken away from them was humilated which basically invited the Austrian painter to take over power. It could have been avoided had they chosen to deploy diplomacy. This might not be something that some of want to hear but my family lived in a country that was invaded by the Germans and far too many of us either starved to death or were deported like Anne Frank and her family were.

[@CarolFremel-my4hs]

Wallis would never release her hold on the ex- king - she was a DUCHESS and people snivelled and crawled to her - this was far more important to her than lurve

[@KP-mb9jx]

@@CarolFremel-my4hs Does that remind you of another American interloper?

[@benignitumor]

"crying into a handkerchief" will never stop being hilarious 😂

[@anneselby2293]

Wallis got what she wanted, but didn't want what she got. Very absorbing so far and so many parallels between these two, Charles and Harry and Meghan. The same that happened with Wallis and Edward, their subsequent isolation from all either of them knew and retiring from life virtually SHOULD have been what happened to Meghan and Harry.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

@ anneselby2293 Good one! >"Wallis got what she wanted, but didn't want what she got."< Agree about Hazbeen and Horrible! However ... Charles, himself is very entitled, as are Anne, Andrew, Edward, William and Harry and the York girls. (Although Charles, William, Anne and Edward know that they can not be "that way" in public with their social inferiors and still have the monarchy, in this day and age. Therefore, they take great pains to appear friendly, or at least, polite and civil.) The nobles of UK are also very entitled. The smart ones know how to moderate their behavior for their public persona. The not-so-bright ones are real PITAs (Pains the in @ss) to those who have to deal with them.

[@sabsmcdabs7139]

That was the most polite request for a like and subscribe I've heard in ages! Glad you're back- looking forward to this one

[@onmylastnerve282]

I always assumed the reason she no longer wanted to marry David once he abdicated, was because he would no longer be king. And that was the only attractive feature he possessed.

[@meganpodesta9197]

In those days the aristocracy had different outfits for every phase of the day. Morning suit,hunting, dinner attire, smoking jackets and he was a renowned dandy!

[@lisalivingston6473]

@meganpodesta9197 I remember when Prince William and Princess Catherine started having children they spent every other Christmas at their Anmer Hall home rather than at Sandringham House where the family would be expected to change clothes 3-4 times on Christmas Day. The holidays are hectic enough without the exhaustion of changing clothes so many times in a single day. My favorite Christmas memories are spending time with family opening presents, stuffing myself with a turkey dinner and relaxing watching a movie while enjoying dessert.

[@lyndala9006]

This is my weekend treat. I love these videos. I’m sitting with my cuppa tea and my bacon sarnie, enjoying Cheere’s take on the ‘Traitor King’. 🇬🇧🇬🇧❤️

[@margaretbarnes2032]

This is my Sunday evening treat - however, in keeping with the theme I’m enjoying a gin & tonic & a bowl of nuts :) 🇦🇺 Thank you so much for your good humour and very entertaining style - btw I can hear you fine.

[@silviarodriguez7751]

Is Sunday, I am in my bed at 9 A.M, enjoy the history you tell us.

[@BuntyMcB]

Mine too. I saved last week’s chapter as I was away and it helped on a rainy Sunday afternoon whilst doing my ironing. Now I get to relax and enjoy Chapter 3 with my cup 🇬🇧🫖of tea.

[@Wanda711]

The number of suitcases and trunks they routinely travel with is a theme in the book, and it caused ongoing complaint from the press and public throughout their lives (yes, I've read ahead!). I can't image what the point was - carrying boxes of clothes that they ended up not wearing. Maybe one of the suitcases was devoted to fresh napkins for David.

[@cheeredenise]

🤣🤣🤣 fresh napkins for David! I love it!

[@irenedebruyn2796]

😂

[@McCinderg]

Ha! Love that last line!

[@ryanlewandowsky2077]

You not only keep me entertained you are also making me smarter because I too had no clue about the history of napkin rings! Thanks

[@MicheleSayles-nt9vr]

It seems Charles needs to take a page from Queen Mary and have the monarchy distance itself from the dastardly duo.

[@christinepaige2575]

I have to think that Wallis made the calculation that her reputation, such as it was, would never, ever recover if she abandoned “the man who had given up everything for her”. As David’s wife, she still had _some_ respectable associations, and was able to swim in a swanky social milieu. In those days - it would probably be different now - she’d have been cast into outer darkness, especially if David had gone through with his threat to kill himself if she left him.

[@CarolFremel-my4hs]

What a pathetic little man - he must have made her want to vomit

[@hollybrooke322]

Interesting that Wallis also only had one family member attend her wedding.

[@cheeredenise]

Seems rather familiar…

[@buttonhead1282]

So many parallels it's hard to count them all.

[@margareth1504]

Oh, makes me wonder if that was the only motive megn had to bother including her mother at her wedding. One person, who was family, but not part of her main family of her Dad, brother sister, niece and whoever else.

[@kipscathy1850]

It was thought ultra romantic because the press- especially the American press - always ran with the “woman he loved” abdication story…. Forever… even through her own funeral. I don’t think she thought it would come to abdication at first. She hung on a while because she was hoping for a morganatic marriage where she could marry him as king, just not be called Queen and no heirs could ascend the throne. Then, when that was firmly nixed, she really did try to leave but he cried and said he’d kill himself. I don’t think the public ever knew the truth while they lived - and, I think he always really adored her. Guess those around them just kept mum about her because she had always treated him like dirt- bossing him around, etc. lots of antidotes to this effect in lots of books and articles.

[@elinstar6034]

Ah, that's what she wanted! Makes sense, thanks.

[@CarolFremel-my4hs]

@@elinstar6034that’s what he wanted too

[@Belevaqua]

Interesting how Wallis only had ONE family member attend her wedding!

[@CarolFremel-my4hs]

Harry and Meghan had that unusual preacher at their wedding too

[@leona2222]

😬 cringey

[@tracioneka7998]

" Curled up like a spider in a chair " LOLOL!! Having read through about half the book, I definitely see Harold & Nutmeg in Edward & Wallis.

[@CarolFremel-my4hs]

Would Wallis have flung herself to the floor sobbing?

[@Wanda711]

One detail struck me - they listened to King George's coronation on the radio, and it took place in May, just changed by a few days from when Edward VIII was supposed to be crowned. Maybe they thought keeping the same date would be bad luck, but clearly they'd worked hard making all these preparations and they just repurposed them for the new king. But when you think about it, David would have had a whole year on the job before the coronation ceremony, and lots of time to think about it and get ready. His poor brother was shoved into it in December, and then a few months later he had to do this grand public ceremony where he must have still been feeling that he shouldn't even be in that position. David really had no concern for anyone. In 'The King's Speech' he pretty much makes his radio address then scampers off without even a word of advice or consolation for his brother.

[@lisalivingston6473]

@Wanda711 David is the pure definition of a narcissist!

[@susanmoorhead8762]

He was thrilled to be able to get through his rehearsed speech to the people…The King’s Speech. I don’t know much about Queen Mary or Queen Alice, and I want to rectify that once you could perhaps give me some good book references!

[@susanmoorhead8762]

I got into the excitement of the Royals when Charles married Diana. So my knowledge goes for the most part back to WWII. I have read up in Churchill and have visited Chartwell, their home on the coast. I read a biography on Genevieve, and that was very informing. Your knowledge is priceless and I love having read what you had to say. Im in the US as many of us are on this conversation. I grew up in Michigan but have lived all my adult life in Denver. Could you give me (us… all the others on this page). I don’t know enough about the “current” history of the 20th century.

[@susanmoorhead8762]

One last reply, any book references going Bach through the late Queen Victoria… or whatever you have. My name is Susan, as you can see above. Thank you!

[@jaimekennedy5750]

​@@susanmoorhead8762for a thoroughly detailed history of her, I would recommend "Victoria: an intimate biography of the woman who changed the world", by Julia Baird.

[@thechancellor3715]

I suspect that Wallis, already moving about the high society had heard about David's numerous affairs with married women and his extremely generous gifts entered into the relationship believing it would be just another affair before he moved on....and clearly with her husband's approval. Having read the book her correspondence protestations of the wedding trap seem ingenuous given her later actions. The socially acceptable narcissistic deflection of the day, a, "Who me? I never expected it to go this far."

[@d.annejohnson5631]

Wallis even KNEW two of the women who had been David's previous "married" mistresses. I think she and Ernest always assumed the relationship would have an expiration date. Alas, (be careful what you wish for), I think they were on a very slippery slope. While I would never want my husband to behave as Ernest did I do think it's understandable given the situation. Ernest was a born in America Anglophile and Jewish. He was well-educated, (Harvard), somewhat monied (his father), well-connected (he'd gotten into the Cold Stream Guards (one of the most prestigious of English military units). Yet it was a lightening strike that the Simpsons somehow got "tapped" by a future King for such inclusive treatment in this stratified society. Ernest knew all of this was a chance in a million, and had social and business advantages. (I also believe Wallis was not honest with him as the "friendship" got out of her control....) Further Wallis may not have yet understood that her dismissive behavior of David just made him cling to her more. (A normal man would have said "enough.") Lastly Ernest himself had been married twice already, still loved Wallis and believed they had a future together, (already knew there would be no children), and believed he and Wallis still had a comfortable and affectionate future together.

[@kipscathy1850]

Part of the reason Wallis did it was to get business contacts for Ernest. They were in it together for their own financial and social gains. It just spun out of control because David “fell in love” - whatever the heck that meant to him….

[@thechancellor3715]

@@kipscathy1850 yes of course....and the book clearly shows that....including the bizarre coat incident when Simpson admired David custom wove coat fabric and David offered the remaining bolt of cloth to Simpson....who had I'd made exactly like the Duke's....weird relationship dynamics all around.

[@aliciab4236]

My guess is Wallis stayed with David for money. She grew up poor relying on the generosity of family to support her. In the book That Woman they go into a reasonable amount of detail re: her grim childhood.

[@misscoutts6193]

She went to the most expensive school in Maryland paid for by her uncle a Banker. Ernest Simpson was comfortably off, his family owns a shipping line and his sister had a title. They employed a cook, maid & chauffeur. Not exactly paupers.

[@ilmaba1756]

Both Wallis and Meghan were probably shocked to find out how little money Edward and Harry actually had. People don't realise that most of their wealth is owned by the "Crown", and it's not personal wealth.

[@michelegraham9044]

The Royals famously give ridiculous gifts to each other at Xmas time so I can imagine them finding humour in the toilet roll holder as weird as it sounds.

[@jenm821]

I am loving your coverage of this book! I saw a program a number of years ago about letters written by Wallis that had been found after many years. I think I remember her saying that David had threatened to kill himself if he could not have her. She might have stayed with him for that reason. Imagine how she would have been seen as a demon from the pit of hell if he left it all for her and then killed himself because she left him. 6:30

[@Anna-Bernadette]

She defiantly painted herself into a corner. Once all of their friends began making their own lives away from the constant party scene, it became very lonely, having to constantly entertain Edward. Crazy parties and sexcapades can only take you so far.

[@marymcdermott9581]

I would love to hear what Charles 111 felt about the pair he was very close to Mountbatten and used to visit Edward and Mrs Simpson in Paris when he was there.......the Church of England was very against Edward as he did his own thing as far as the Church was concerned.......Bertie the Queen's father was by far the best of all of those ......he was a very strong character and the Queen and King were very strong in their love for each other....... they remind me of the Wales family......

[@margaretsmist7140]

I think many of those letters were to her second ex husband too !! I think she regretted divorcing him even though they had an ‘unusual’ relationship

[@meganpodesta9197]

A book I read suggested that Wallis learnt Asian sexual arts while in China. Arts enjoyed by some of the eccentric aristocracy. It also suggested that Wallis and David were both bisexual. The secret service and politicians were extremely concerned about their relationship with Hitler. Hitler planned to make them king and queen when he defeated England. The British public were sheltered from this information. Top Secret

[@Anna-Bernadette]

Of course, I doubt Hitler would have reinstated Edward as King. He was just using Edward.

[@Mag75684]

She really wasn't a good looking woman and yet she beguiled a lot of men, apparently. I did wonder if it had got around that she knew a thing or two, and your mention of Asian sexual arts,if true, could be the draw. I'm no oil painting and my husband was good looking. He was the one who was attracted to me. I did make him laugh sooo maybe she was witty. We'll never really know 🤷‍♀️. I've got to say that he sounds rude, arrogant but extremely pathetic all at the same time. Quite a trick. The Hitler mention, thank goodness the powers that be put a stop to it.

[@meganpodesta9197]

@julieschroeder754 Probably. But would have been easier to control English resistance with a king and queen in your pocket.

[@Anna-Bernadette]

@@meganpodesta9197 Good point

[@marylyn3081]

Yes, I watched Spying on the Royals. The king started digging into Wallis and her husband after David gifted her with a 110,000 pound piece of jewelry! He also paid her rent and an allowance. At least a year before the papers revealed the affair.

[@meganpodesta9197]

His brother had the strength and integrity to become King, which was devastating for him. Unlike David. Added to that, George's wife blamed David and Wallis for all the stress placed on Bertie. He was an incredible king during World War 2. His wife blamed Edward and Wallis for his death. Also Queen Mary was done with Edward. Why should Bertie support David. 😅

[@Wanda711]

When we read about how hardline the Palace was about anyone showing support for David (pressuring them not to attend the wedding) it's interesting that it was really the women - Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth - who were the most implacable. Bertie WAS more easy-going, and was willing to cut David some slack, but his wife and mother wouldn't have it. Wallis might have thought of herself as the tough-minded broad who could do anything she put her mind to, but she was outmatched by those two. In the end, it was the women who were going to make sure the troublemakers were excluded, and I think it was because they had their minds on the future. The throne was going to go to Princess Elizabeth, then her children and grandchildren, and they were not going to allow David to dance in and out of their lives, maybe coming up with more novel creations to satisfy his whims.

[@kakacoco5]

If I were Bertie, I wouldn’t go to the wedding either. I would be mad that I had to be King because my older brother was chasing after a woman that didn’t even love him in the first place. Matter of fact, for a wedding gift, I would have sent him and his bride a picture of my middle finger!

[@meganpodesta9197]

@@kakacoco5 Agreed!

[@SheNiteOwl]

​@Wanda711 I totally agree. Those two women had standards and they were going to be upheld at all costs. They would save the monarchy if no one else would for their children and bloodline. Stand in their way and I guarantee you that you will lose. Just hope you keep your head....

[@beverlybenson9981]

​@@Wanda711I agree with you.

[@sidneybales9062]

David would have been an horrific king. He would have shredded the Church of England. He would have shredded the country. He would have shredded the monarchy. A friend of mine said, God knew their characters. George may not have wanted to be king, but he and his wife were needed during WW2 and the Princess Elizabeth was a Diamond who was being polished.

[@RamothJoy]

I think she stayed in the relationship because that was the best she could do. She wasn’t young enough to attract another rich man. But the most important ingredient for her was to be able to be in complete control of the relationship. She wasn’t in her first marriage but she was mostly in control in her second. Then in her third she had the control. I think like Harry’s Wife’s control and money are the primary goals also.

[@maryminetola2687]

Love your commentary!! People don't give women enough credit. Back in the day it was women who decided if you were in or out whether you were recieved or not in society. Wallis knew exactly what she was doing did she love him absolutely not. That couple today used this couple as a cheat sheet for their life. Harry probably not bright enough but his wife absolutely.

[@rosiebottom3870]

The Duke of Windsor was mad about clothes. I've seen some of his suits in a documentary and they are stunning, and still perfect today.

[@arightroyalrepair2944]

Harry did the same thing regards the autographed picture by leaving one as a “thank you” for his host family in Australia 🤦‍♀️

[@lisalivingston6473]

@arightroyalrepair2944 I've read that the British royal family typically give framed photos of themselves as gifts. Chris Christie said he received one from Harry, too. I remember when Sophie and Edward toured the Carribean just before the Queen's death they gave their host a framed photograph of themselves. Everybody at the time was commenting how odd it seemed, because many of the Commonwealth countries located in the Carribean were considering whether to secede from the Commonwealth. Apparently, they had lost interest in being associated with the British royal family and its long history of colonialism.

[@Qlassyone]

I watched The King’s Speech the other day. I vision I had of David and Wallis based on your narration was spot on their depiction in the movie. H&M must have used them as a training manual.

[@Anna-Bernadette]

I actually think Harry and Meghan don't have a clue about Wallis and David. If they did, they certainly did not learn a thing. It really is history repeating itself. Harry will never be allowed back into the Royal fold. I just wish Parliament and the Royal family would hurry up.

[@juliegunderson6974]

That's one of my favorite movies! Listening to this book review has made me want to watch it again!

[@scarba]

She must have been with him for the same reason Meghan is with Harry. $$$$$$

[@zareenwilhelm5811]

Forced into it?? I’m confused about HOW she ended up in such a spot with all the balls she’s got.

[@JanaMitchell-wi8qt]

I think she knew exactly what she was doing.

[@beverlystraus9300]

Wallis perceived herself as being FORCED into marriage. Her choice, her "bed"!!! 😮😮😮😮

[@THATBossCricket]

This girl, Cheere, cracks me up! She is just so wonderfully funny and her expressions are just so cute! Absolutely endearing!!!

[@d.annejohnson5631]

Cheere, Suitcases. When the Duchess of Windsors estate was auctioned in NYC in the 1990's I went to both the household and the jewelry exhibitions. Spent a couple of hours at the latter, looking at everything and studying the sets and photos set up so you could see how the objects were situated in their homes. Everything was "exquisite". Really! I think you could probably find a copy of the auction catalogue online to scroll through. The way they lived was incomprehensibly detailed and maintained. (Table and bed linens... cocktail napkins...the quality of embroidery, monogramming, hand painting.....). I think they must have traveled with a valet and ladies maid for long trips. The way they lived and dressed.. and bejeweled themselves you didn't just open a suitcase and pull out a dress and some shoes... It took a staff and hours and hours a day to be cared for and fussed over as they were.

[@lizziesimmi5646]

Loved your analogy about her being on a chair ‘like a spider’. It made me imagine a frightened spider curled up into a ball in an armchair knowing it was trapped forever. Really enjoying your readings and observations, thank you.

[@bearessentials4383]

Remember when Harry said he wasn’t interested in the history of his family, so when people said, do you remember your great great uncle who went off with a woman? And he said, yeah yeah they had a great time in France, boring.

[@kipscathy1850]

There’s an ongoing belief that their relationship had a strong S&M s-x-al element, with her being the dominant one. I don’t think any other woman had ever played that way with him - instead always deferential to him as Prince. That’s what really hooked him.

[@cheeredenise]

I imagine there’s an enormous amount of truth to that. I think a man who can have whatever he wants has probably experienced all the “normal” things and might be interested in a relationship that played with darker behavior.

[@Anna-Bernadette]

That and her allowing other men in David's life

[@sagrammyfour]

The military (Vietnam era) husband of a friend of mine explained to her she could NEVER do for him or satisfy him like the paid hoes in Japan and Vietnam did. It ruined their marriage, broke her heart and was inexorably sad. @@cheeredenise

[@elinstar6034]

Whether she was forced into it... I suspect that every responsible person around David was increasingly aware that he would be a disaster as King. At first they would have wanted to shoo her away from him, but once the depths of his obsession with her became apparent, plus his unreasonable insistence on marrying her, getting rid of the both of them became a feasible option. Bit like H&M, I think H had been burdensome for years and years, so when it came to them leaving, regret was leavened by great relief. From Wallis point of view, it was fun, fun, fun until it all got serious and she was caught in the relentless machinery of the British establishment. She could have run, but would have lost everything she valued; status, wealth, reputation - she'd have become a pariah... she was trapped, big time.

[@marylarson1874]

It’s like I’m hearing Harry and Meghan biography.

[@marylarson1874]

She had every choice. She claimed he threatened suicide if she left him.

[@kathleenmilligan5408]

For upper classes week days we’re about as free as a weekend. Lots of weddings during the week.

[@francoisehugonet7068]

The napkin ring is common practice in Europe (I'm French) each member of the family had his or hers, not made of silver, though. In a restaurant the ring would be decoration, to give a sense of homeliness, may be.

[@kipscathy1850]

I think the napkin ring incident happened in the Rothschild home, not a restaurant and weren’t they French!

[@kipscathy1850]

I think she stayed because of the money, fame and the connections. But also, I think you’re right. Don’t think anyone else would have had her (at least publicly and for marriage) and part of that would be because of the worldwide excoriation she would have taken for leaving AFTER he’d given up everything for her, devastating his country. Would have shown her up as the gold digger she was. Unlike Meghan, who just doesn’t care and makes up her new reality after every stepping-stone relationship.

[@misscoutts6193]

After 3 divorces and an affair with the King she was unlikely to make a good marriage at that time in her life when forty was considered old.

[@gloriasmess]

Yes, I think that Wallace was trapped. She met David and, I assume, thought that her relationship with him would increase her stock socially. However, David fell madly in love with Wallace, she came to realise that you don’t say no to the King. Things got even further out of control when David proposed and which woman, with an appreciation for precious gems, would turn that down? IMO Wallace thought she could put a stop to it before the wedding, as time went on David sacrificed more and more, it came to a point where there was too much invested and Wallace could not reasonably back out. So yes, I believe that Wallace was backed into a corner that she never wanted to be in. From memory, I’m not sure whether this book touches on this; living their hedonistic, bohemian lifestyle, they both had affairs. David was allegedly attracted to men.

[@Wanda711]

I agree, I think she just figured she could keep all the plates spinning until it got out of her control. Another thing is, it got to the point where David was threatening to off himself if he couldn't marry her, and it sounds like both she and the British government were afraid he'd actually do it. That was outright blackmail, and she must have felt her life would be over if it actually came to pass, so she had to acquiesce and go with him. I don't think she would have done if she'd been completely free to choose, but then, nobody is *completely* free to choose. There are always consequences to every decision. She wasn't helpless, and could have had a different life, but she made decisions all along the way that eventually left her in a box, largely of her own making.

[@lornaackerman7022]

Wallis was definitely trapped. I’ve read excerpts from some books on the subject, about her especially. I’m going to have to go back and read some them. She genuinely cared for her second husband even though they both had affairs. They both come off as manipulators and social climbers, but neither of them had any interest in ending the marriage. It was a set up between them for him to be caught having an affair with her closest friend, so as to justify the divorce. In gaining Edward she lost the two people she cared most for.

[@lizziestevenson1908]

Thanks Cheere and fellow listeners,, I love hearing all of this history. I know some but this is just fab xx

[@LeslieBigos]

The book details Wallis' affair and hunts at David's.

[@run4cmt]

This was not the Middle Ages. She could have walked out way before it had become such a big story. She waited too long to end it. If she had walked I do believe she would have been pushed out of high society. I do believe she loved the fame and the money.

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

Wallis gambled…….but nothing is ever perfect and nobody was going ever going to say “oh! Poor Wallis.

[@lynnewilliams6662]

I think she ran out of options because other men wanted to stay loyal to the former king and by leaving him she would be forever tainted 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@felicitythomson3397]

"Ooow look Adolf sent us a wedding present !!"......O..M..G that is troubling. There was another motive to her marriage... just like with MM.

[@mkass2196]

😂😂😂this book could of been titled “ meme & Hazbeen “. Amazing how similar couples are😂

[@alisonvanschoor730]

I am amazed it was only 17 suitcases! The Duke was a fahion icon and a VERY snappy dresser in his time. He was extremely innovative in his manner of dress - much to the chagrin of his father......

[@KathiLou1980]

Okay H is not like him in this arena!

[@judistephens723]

Loving hearing this book from you. Harry and his great uncle share many traits. So glad William will be our next king. From New Zealand

[@iolandagirleanu9006]

Lol, since we are comparing, I believe H&M also gave out signed photos of themselves at an event where she was speaking hahah. TACKY.

[@mamahustru]

That's a standard practise for all Royal Houses , atleast European Royal Families. They also give each other their own signed photos, which they display in their meeting rooms., especially on special occassions.

[@kaddyd1815]

@@mamahustru…except that they aren’t royals anymore🤷🏼‍♀️

[@normafoster1959]

The RF sent a letter to David explaining Wallis would not be granted HRH upon marriage, and sent over a big box o´ napkin rings as a wedding gift to drive the point home.

[@bearessentials4383]

Toilet paper holder that plays ‘god save the king’ is like having a Christmas decoration of the Queen. They’re so super excited about it.

[@KathiLou1980]

Someone should send H&M one for Christmas

[@theresabashford1726]

I thought napkin rings were to make the napkins look good, otherwise it was ornate folds , nothing to do with reuse . We always washed napkins after use never reused until cleaned. No I dont come from that sort of background but as my grandfather killed in WW2 my mother went to a minor private school paid for by the M.O.D. and being that generation speaking, walking and dinner table presentation definitely took presidence over book learning. Queen Elizabeth who everyone knows as the Queen mother hated Wallace, Wallace was very rude to her when she was dating David and thought Elizabeth very frumpy and over weight. Elizabeth never forgave David and Wallace and believed that her husband having to lead the country in WW 2 shortened his life . There was also the fear that if Germany invaded they had every intention of putting David back on the throne and the fear of what would happen to Elizabeth and Margaret. WW2 was why David and Wallace were sent to the Carribbean. Totally agree the similarities between David and Harry, and of course Wallace and Meghan both divorced Americans, the country hoped Meghan would prove to be better than Wallace, British people have a long memory, no one was interested in Meghans colour, there was a fear of her being a divorced American but nobody believed lighting could strike twice in the RF. Royal jewels did turn up after Wallace died and were auctioned off, David did give her family pieces. Interesting Meghan is supposed to have lost some jewelry loaned from the Royal collection. The echos of the past in the present are uncanny.

[@RKoz98]

I think a lot of people haven’t even seen your new book review but in my opinion they will tune in! If people listed to Spare they’ll like this book review also!

[@peggyoban4069]

“Curled like a spider in a chair.” That’s good.

[@charliekezza]

"Your face is on the tea towels Dutch"

[@Jettypilelegs]

His brother got us through the Second World War, he didn’t lack moxie. And he didn’t go to the wedding because he was furious and didn’t want to be king. We’re very proud of George VI 🇬🇧

[@DebbieSandford-1807]

🇬🇧

[@alexandrav7739]

A lavatory paper holder that plays God Save The King 😂😂😂 dang, anyone else thinking that trumps Fred and George's toilet seat from Hogwarts?

[@Wanda711]

In university I once had to do a French-to-English translation of an ad for a musical toothbrush. It would play a tune as long as it was in motion; the idea was to get you to brush longer, so you could hear the full musical passage. Unfortunately, I misunderstood something: it was manufactured in Marseilles, but I translated that part of the ad as "a musical toothbrush that plays 'The Marseilles'". The French students in the class thought that was very funny; the idea of brushing your teeth to the strains of the French national anthem. Imagine starting the morning to 'The Star Spangled Banner' as you brushed your teeth. It would be just as good if it played 'God Save the King', now that I think of it.

[@alexandrav7739]

@@Wanda711 lol! Thanks for sharing, that'# hilarious! I also wonder if this gift was a "f you" to David for having given up the throne: "Oh, now you're listening to God Save The King on the loo, but you're not king any longer. Nya nya nya nya na-na." You know? And he just didn't get that

[@jlennon1779]

Don't know if it's universal but, in America at least, one of the nicknames for a toilet is "the throne". "Everyone's in the car waiting to leave. Where's your brother?" "He's sitting on the throne."

[@Wanda711]

@@jlennon1779 The French say "là où le roi va seul" = "The place where the king goes by himself", meaning the toilet, but a sly allusion to "the throne".

[@radhikam2401]

You hair is looking AMAZING, Cheere. Thanks for another great video.

[@cheeredenise]

Thank you!!!

[@tassiej3133]

Omg I have a silver napkin ring. I think it was a christening present - what baby doesn’t have one! It is a blast from the past.

[@user-qz2gq7sz1n]

Me too. And I remember using napkins taken from napkin rings at family meals (but not the silver Christening napkin ring given (symbolically?) as an investment in a child's future rather than for use)

[@tassiej3133]

@@user-qz2gq7sz1n I dragged it out of the drawer that I have the silver fish knives and forks in. Badly tarnished but I took a photo. Trouble is I have no idea how to post it in the comments. That’s my advanced age!!!!

[@silviarodriguez7751]

My too. Is from the grandmother of my mother. Is a tresure for her and never used

[@irenedebruyn2796]

A silver or silver plated napkin ring with the name engraved on it used to be one of those traditional christening presents

[@KP-mb9jx]

@traceyhall-green6191 Wow! How lovely.

[@BeBe76182]

Napkin rings…that’s what I thought. As a poor country mouse, myself, I thought I was just really uptown when I discovered napkin rings.

[@Joanna7428]

Wallace was not a victim she chose to marry a man she didn't love, it may have been another era but she'd already proved she wasn't averse to divorce and controversy - if I had been in her shoes I would have bolted, no way would I have gone through with the marriage. This was on Wallace and Wallace alone, what a miserable pair they made 🤦

[@marylyn3081]

She was cunning!!!If she wanted out she would have gone. They thought Hitler would reinstall them.

[@McCinderg]

I agree with you completely.

[@anjo2932]

Her name was Wallis and it was David's idea and not Wallis' as she was still in love with her former husband. I'm afraid that it was David and David alone that should be held as the one who was accountable. Unlike another American , who is using her dimwit Prince for HER fame & fortune, I don't believe Wallis got up to the same tricks as the ''actress"' who is all about HER fame& fortune.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

David and Wallis deserved each other; as do Harry and Meghan.

[@billsgirl1981]

Not I understand more of why the citizens of England so adored Queen Elizabeth! The UK was so lucky to have had King Edward flake out.

[@laurenanderson61]

David wasn't at a restaurant when he commented about the napkin rings. He was at Baroness Rothchild's place.

[@marileearsenault4749]

As always I couldn’t wait for this morning to join you and this fantastic group of people. Wallis sure did want this, financially she figured she was set for life and would still have some pull because of who she married. Can’t wait for next week, going to be longer, yay. So grateful I found you. ❤❤🇨🇦

[@THATBossCricket]

Marcus Anderson is the new Herman Rogers! 👏😁😉😀

[@christinepaige2575]

I was not up to speed on napkin rings either - I thought they were a very “classy” thing that was intended to make a table setting look especially elegant :-D. I think they’ve kind of morphed into that over time, actually (or maybe it’s just that I love them, lol). I’m glad to know the history!

[@DebbiSmithDC]

Now, if rings are not present and you are a guest staying over, the proper thing to do is to fold the napkin and replace back at your place setting. If leaving, you simply leave it unfolded when leaving the table.

[@KathiLou1980]

We have a large family and our kids were eating paper napkins - I had the fabric ones out for a holiday and decided to keep using - economical and they feel better on your face.

[@paulacostescu1041]

I think they also wanted a "half in/half out" recipe. I'm listening to every episode twice to catch all the ideas. ❤

[@Caro_arch5801]

So far, in just 3 chapters, both of them have displayed MANY classic symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Great start to a marriage. Thank goodness they never had children, whew! PS also explains why the Queen Mum never liked Wallace 😂

[@andrewlownie2033]

I'm the author of Traitor King and delighted to come across this. A few weeks ago, lecturing on Queen Mary 2, the grandson of Ribbentrop's chauffeur came up to me to say that Ribbentrop and Wallis were always meeting.

[@mycatsnameiskaren8253]

@AndrewLownie2033 I have to admit I'm having a "fan girl" moment reading this!!!

[@andrewlownie2033]

So glad you enjoying the book. @@mycatsnameiskaren8253

[@alisonboydell7143]

Great book .

[@aliciab4236]

Wonderful book as was the one on the Mountbatten's. I'm looking forward to your upcoming book on Prince Andrew.

[@annerud9625]

It's a wonderful book and we'll examined by this excellent and witty channel. 😀

[@TraciH7458]

Wallis thought she was going to have a big payday. David had always moved on. For his part, David didn’t really want to be king; he just wanted the money and status, not the work. He played his cards, knowing that Wallis was TOTALLY inappropriate and undesirable as a marriage partner. I believe that David believed that the RF would pay him off. Neither of them were correct. Plus, I still believe that David was gay or at least bisexual. They deserved each other.

[@marguerite9605]

Agree that he's bisexual and Wallis was his scapegoat. She's a user and abuser. Nothing I've read about her is flattering

[@british.scorpion]

History seems to be repeating itself, but I doubt the ending will be the same, Wallace stayed with him until he died in 1972, I can't see her modern counterpart doing the same.

[@margaretsmist7140]

I’m not so sure. Unlike many people, I think Haz and wife deserve each other and will stay together. She needs him and he is weak and won’t leave her.

[@jadakowers590]

Similar to the use of napkin rings, times have changed as to the reasons for the best day of the week to wed. Below is an old poem about what getting married on any of six days means. Sunday was not included, but is favored in both France and Ireland for weddings. “Monday for health. Tuesday for wealth. Wednesday the best day of all. Thursday for crosses. Friday for losses. Saturday no luck at all.”

[@karenrobertson2312]

Thanks, precious girl! ❤

[@francoisehugonet7068]

Her husband was fed up with the situation (milking David for money, jewels,) and ready to divorce her, David was threatening to commit suicide if she left him, the press was after her, she was cornered, may be. She was not strong enough to fight the situation.

[@misscoutts6193]

Simpson was happy to go along with it til it got out of their circle and made him look foolish.

[@jeanniemiller3274]

"In your wheel house of activities" 😅

[@here_we_go_again2571]

Thank you Cheere .... From the pictures that I have viewed of David's and Wallis's nuptials; I have never seen a sadder looking couple at their wedding! Can you imagine the mess regarding curtseys if Wallis had been given an HRH? (King Charles, the late Queen-Mum and the late Princess Margaret are/were known for their huge number of suitcases when they travel.) We HOPE that restaurants would not re-use napkins! Frankly, I would rather have white cloth or paper napkins than those dark-colored cloth napkins (Dark colors can't be bleached)

[@hayley2475]

I’m worried the candle behind you is a little close to the shelf above it 😬 Another fab video 👏🏻

[@lauraosswald5812]

Wallis seems like she always put herself in situations where she could feel like the victim and complain because it gave her something negative to focus on

[@KathiLou1980]

Sounds like another climber we know

[@misscoutts6193]

Strange, a woman with 3 husbands and no children 🤔

[@lizziestevenson1908]

He sounds so immature, a spoilt child. Just like Harry.

[@cpainstructor]

The two were interviewed decades later. He was asked and she answered, "We agreed to never second guess the past."....or something similar.

[@susanholly5338]

Signed photos are standard gifts for the royals to hand out.

[@cheeredenise]

For Christmas? When someone has hosted you for weeks and given you an extremely expensive gift? Seems tacky…

[@cleverkittn]

I had already read this particular book and am very familiar with the details of this period in history yet ach week I eagerly await the next chapter because your review is much more interesting and informative than this book itself was. Well done!

[@cheeredenise]

Thank you!!

[@janemilson7491]

From Jane M I cannot remember where I read it but the gist was that neither George or Mary or Baldwin and other high rankers in government throught David was suitable to be king, and they saw poor Wallis as a gift from the gods and their machinations brought about the abdication and marriage and she effectively did not have any choice. There is a video on KZbin that even suggests George's doctor gave him a lethal injection to hasten his death and thereby help get David safely installed on the throne, and Churchill was said to have been privy to this plan. Love your channel and my only unhappiness is that we are not going to get your wonderful harry-voice

[@ellendeluca4941]

Wallis was a victim by her own choice. She could have walked away like you said. She wasn't this young virginal girl she'd been around the block...alot. She never should have married this man child she didn't reciprocate his adoration of her in any way. He was a dalliance for her, a step up into the upper of echelons of British society. Could go on forever but the similarities between these two and H & M are scary.

[@janescott4574]

Not sure Cecil Beaton would drool over Wallis, he was very, very gay! Oh dear, we’ve got to wait a whole week before the next chapter, I absolutely love the style of your reviews, thank you.

[@JuneMacCross]

Perfect title for this series, they wrote the playboy M is using

[@MegPaterson2]

I think Wallace thought it was going to be a glamorous life, just like Meghan did. I definitely don’t think she married for love!! Thank you Cheere for another WONDERFUL video 🥰

[@marnoch4632]

Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday best of all; Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, Saturday for no luck at all I married on a Wednesday. Deliberately!

[@sbwelsh7985]

Dear lady, I'm so distracted by worrying your candle is going to catch your bookshelf on fire! I'm loving your review of this book, though. Please know you are doing a wonderful job.

[@patriciasaienni7417]

😅 I was too! By the end of the video, the candle had gone out! Phew!

[@cameliawilks2049]

Did Meghan study Diana and Wallis perhaps? Is that why she copies Diana so much and the resemblance of Meghan and Wallis is uncanny. Meghan is the present day Wallis.

[@elinstar6034]

I doubt if Cecil Beaton was drooling over Wallis, (very gay), but I imagine she was a very entertaining and waspish conversationalist. Also able to give him oodles of salacious gossip from the upper echelons of society which he'd have adored.

[@user-oc5nb6xn9s]

Hi lovely, regarding the algorithm I am still subscribed, hit the like button on every video and my daughter and cousin are now subscribed, we are all enjoying 😊

[@ThisWomansBrain]

Her mother, the only member of her family to attend. Wow Meghan all over.