"At long last I am able to say a few words of my own. I have never wanted to
anything, but until now it has not been
possible for me to speak. A few hours ago I
my last duty as King and Emperor, and now that I have been
by my brother, the Duke of York, my first words must be to declare my allegiance to him. This I do with all my heart. You all know the reasons which have
me to renounce the throne. But I want you to
that in making up my mind I did not forget the country or the empire, which, as
and lately as King, I have for twenty-five years tried to serve. But you must believe me when I tell you that I have found it
to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to
my duties as King as I would wish to do
the help and support of the
I love. And I want you to know that the
I have made has been mine and mine alone. This was a thing I had to
entirely for myself. The other person most nearly concerned has tried up to the last to persuade me to take a
course. I have made this, the most
decision of my life, only upon the single thought of what would, in the end, be best for all.
This decision has been made less difficult to me by the sure
that my brother, with his long training in the public affairs of this country and with his fine
, will be able to take my place forthwith without
or injury to the life and progress of the empire. And he has one matchless blessing, enjoyed by so many of you, and not
on me -- a happy home with his wife and children.
And now, we all have a new King. I wish him and you, his people,
and prosperity with all my heart. God bless you all! God save the King!" Edward VIII - December 11, 1936
