The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Edward VIII, Wallis, and Hitler
Nothing gets a crowd going like a good scandal. A Prince who married an American commoner, abdicated the thrown, and socialized with the leader of the Nazi Party is just that! On March 12, author and journalist Andrew Morton, in conversation with the Toronto Star’s Jennifer Hunter, aired the dirty secrets of the former Prince of Wales, Edward the Eighth, to a sold out crowd at the Bram and Bluma Appel Salon.
Morton’s new book, 17 Carnations: The Royals, The Nazis, and The Biggest Cover-Up in History, reveals details of the Duke of Windsor’s polarizing double life as a prevalent, international icon who fell into a morose state of mind when behind closed doors. Examining Edward’s decision to abdicate, and give up his title as the King of England to marry Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced socialite from Baltimore, Morton talked about the couple’s personal friendship with Adolf Hitler and revealed how the history of Britain, Europe, and the world was forever altered.
The fun and witty discussion brought to light some juicy details in answer to questions like: why would an icon like Edward VIII be attracted to an ordinary women like Wallis? What names did the Queen call Wallis? What interests did Hitler have in socializing with Edward VIII – and vice versa? What did Prime Minister Winston Churchill have to say about the matter? What exactly was the cover-up suggested by the title of the book?
One tidbit of history we Canadians may find intriguing: the influence of the True North on Edward’s behaviour. Morton explained,
“It all started here in Canada when [Edward VIII] came in 1919 and he saw a different vista to what he was used to at Buckingham Palace – a freer country… there was more opportunity. He really enjoyed himself, so much so that he bought a ranch in Alberta with the hope to retire there.”
Though this book took three years and the assistance of four research aids to write, Morton is no stranger to penning about the Royals. His first book was a biography about the People’s Princess, Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words. Morton has also written books about Prince William and Cate and other high profile celebrities including Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Monica Lewinsky, and David and Victoria Beckham.
Before opening the floor to questions from the audience, Hunter asked Morton what understanding he wanted the audience and readers to have of this history. Morton reflected:
“One of the things in my working life has always been the difference between image and reality. The fairy-tale and lifting up the stem to see what was underneath and it’s the same with this. Initially you are thinking this is the great love story of the 20th century, the man who gave up his throne for love, these two royal lovers – I’m not talking about Kim Kardashian and Kanye West – we’re talking about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor! And then you see what’s really going on with their relationships with Hitler but also with the British establishment.”
Enjoy Star Talks: Andrew Morton at the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon on the Toronto Public Library’s YouTube channel.
Follow the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #AppelSalon
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