27. When this person died in 1972 he was best known as the Duke of Windsor, and had also served as Governor of the Bahamas (1940-45). He was briefly a king until he gave up the throne for love. Who was he?
From Quiz Whose birthday is June 23?
Answer:
Edward VIII
Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David (born 1894), known as 'David' to the royal family, became King of Great Britain, Ireland, the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Emperor of India, Defender of the Faith, etc., etc., etc. (phew!) upon the death of his father, King George V in January 1936.
Rumors of his romance with a soon-to-be-twice-divorced American, Wallis Simpson, became widely known, and in November of the same year, Edward informed Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin of his intent to marry Mrs. Simpson even if it meant abdication. On December 11, 1936, Edward abdicated for "the woman he loved", leaving the throne to his brother Albert (George VI), the father of Queen Elizabeth II.
Relations between the Duke and the royal family remained strained until his death in Paris in 1972.
Prince Philip (b. 1921), of course, is Queen Elizabeth II's consort. Lord Mountbatten was a member of the royal family, last Viceroy of India and a favorite of Prince Charles. He was assassinated by the IRA in 1979.