Before WALLIS

If you ask most people to name the great romances of the 20th century, it is likely that near the top of their list will be the love affair between Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson. The public imagination was captured by the compelling story of a lonely bachelor who gave up the British throne for the twice-married American divorcee he loved. Their passionate relationship led to the king’s abdication in 1936 and rocked the monarchy.

However, there is another lesser-known story behind the legend, one that casts a different light on this epic romance. Although Wallis Simpson was the woman for whom Edward VIII sacrificed his crown, she was not his first – or only – grand passion. Nor was she the only American divorcee with whom he fell in love. In fact, George V’s