Did Wallis Simpson Want to Be Queen?
Wallis Simpson, the American socialite who became the second wife of King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, has long been a subject of fascination and speculation. One of the most intriguing questions surrounding her life is whether she truly desired to become queen. This article delves into the various aspects of her life and the evidence that suggests her true feelings about the royal throne.
Wallis Simpson’s Background
Born Bessie Wallis Warfield in 1896, Wallis Simpson came from a modest background. Her upbringing in the United States was marked by financial struggles, and she moved to London in her early 20s to pursue a career as a dancer. It was in London that she met and married her first husband, Ernest Simpson, in 1918. Their marriage, however, was tumultuous, and Wallis soon found herself seeking a divorce.
The Royal Connection
Wallis Simpson’s chance encounter with King Edward VIII, who was Prince of Wales at the time, in 1931, marked the beginning of a scandalous affair. Their romance quickly became public knowledge, and it was clear that Edward was deeply in love with Wallis. Despite the intense opposition from the British royal family and the Church of England, the couple’s love affair continued to grow.
Her Motivation
As the relationship between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII deepened, the question of whether she wanted to become queen became more pressing. Some historians argue that Wallis was primarily motivated by love for Edward, while others believe that her ambition played a significant role in her decision to marry him.
Love or Ambition?
Those who argue that love was the driving force behind Wallis Simpson’s desire to become queen point to her willingness to face public backlash and the potential consequences of her relationship with Edward. She was willing to give up her career, social status, and even her nationality to be with him. This level of commitment suggests that love was her primary motivation.
On the other hand, those who believe that ambition played a role in Wallis’s decision to become queen argue that she was aware of the social and economic benefits that came with being a royal consort. Wallis Simpson was a socialite, and the allure of a high-profile life in the British royal family may have been appealing to her.
Conclusion
While it is impossible to definitively determine Wallis Simpson’s true motivations, the evidence suggests that her love for King Edward VIII was a significant factor in her desire to become queen. Her willingness to face public scorn and personal sacrifices for the sake of her relationship with Edward points to a deep and genuine love for him. Ultimately, whether Wallis Simpson wanted to be queen or not may be less important than the fact that her love story with King Edward VIII continues to captivate the public’s imagination to this day.
