The abdication crisis of Edward VIII

The abdication crisis of Edward VIII occurred in 1936 when King Edward VIII chose to give up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée, which was opposed by the Church of England and his government. The crisis highlighted the conflict between personal desires and constitutional duties. To marry Simpson, Edward prioritized love over his monarchy, leading to his abdication. His decision resulted in his brother, George VI, ascending the throne, allowing the monarchy to continue but marking a significant constitutional moment about the limits of royal personal choices.