wallis simpson cause of death

 

The clerk pretended that his English was not up to that and explained to the Duchess that it merely confirmed existing arrangements. King Edward had been unable to marry Wallis and remain king because not only was she American – and kings were expected to select their brides from their own country – but also because she was on her second marriage when their affair began. It has been said that the Royal family wanted to keep John's condition a secret. Blum received a ring with an oval amethyst surrounded by turquoises and diamonds, an amethyst necklace and a Louis XV gold box. Prosecution's case on George Floyd's cause of death. But she was formidable. Wallis Simpson, who famously led Edward VIII to abdicate the throne, actually loved Herman Rogers, ... Sean Connery's Cause of Death Revealed Weeks After He Dies at Age 90. The relationship between the two lasted for 35 years, until the death of King Edward VIII in 1972. Her funeral was held at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, attended by her two surviving sisters-in-law – the Queen Mother and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester – and other members of the royal family. Wallis Simpson (left) with Herman Rogers and others on the beach. Determined to retain her girlish-figure, she did not eat properly and was known to survive on nips of vodka. Diana and Wallis had been close. Not even a year later, Edward was forced to renounce the throne due to his intentions of marrying his American mistress, Wallis Simpson. Sometimes she told Caroline that the duchess was frail but in relatively good health and lived a pleasant, quiet life. During these last years, the Duchess had one other visitor  -  the Right Reverend James Leo, Dean of the American Cathedral in Paris. Telegraph death announcements. Just to be sure they felt perfectly at home, the Windsors stored furniture at the hotel for use in the apartment during their annual visit. Although George VI granted his older brother the style of Royal Highness, he both denied the same styling to the new Duchess of Windsor and is said to have forbade other Royal Family members from attending the wedding. Most people thought it would have been better for the Duchess to have followed her husband swiftly to his grave. At the time, Simpson was still married to her second husband, Ernest Aldrich Simpson, a shipping magnate. Wallis was of course, the Duchess of Windsor. As a result, several people were dismissed. They all confirmed the story – that over the last few years they had tried to see Wallis but Maitre Blum stood in their way. The Duke had done everything for his wife. Wallis was of course, the Duchess of Windsor. After the death of his father, King George V, Edward VIII assumed the throne of England on 21 January 1936. She was buried in England alongside the duke and members of the British royal family - including the queen—attended the ceremony. ... With the death of George V on January 20, 1936, the call to duty arrived for Edward. After years of pain and powerless, silent indignity, she was at last beyond the grasp of those who had harmed her. I remember her secretary ringing one of the great Parisian couture houses, informing them that the Duchess would be arriving to inspect pieces from the new season's collection. Wallis Simpson, also known as Wallis, Duchess of Windsor, was an American socialite and the wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor. She also told Caroline that she was not to write on single derogatory word about the duchess – ever. After the Duchess's two secretaries left her employment in 1975 and 1978, Blum was able to control the situation as she wished. Blum claimed that the Duchess had to be defended from allegations made by authors and journalists, that Wallis was upset by such things. SO Caroline made an appointment to visit the lawyer to arrange her meeting with the duchess. After the Duchess returned from hospital, the staff were told that she had to be kept in the upstairs rooms. Many of the Duchess's staff had gone, but there was one more figure for Blum to erase from the picture. There were rumours that she was bedridden and others that she had Alzheimer’s disease. But the Duchess would pay heavily for her scorn. The Duchess died on April 24. ... His death may be a big deal to millions but also millions of us just don’t care. Diana told her that she and other friends of the duchess had come across similar treatment from Maitre Blum. Between September 1976 and December 1977, there was quite a distribution of spoils, none of which the Duchess would have been aware of. Only the base, covered in blue silk, remained. Blum took action to secure final power in October of that year. She said the Duchess 'died in a slum'. Feb. 9, 2012— -- Wallis Simpson has been demonized for decades as the Baltimore divorcee who scandalized Britain by luring Edward VIII, the Prince of Wales, from his short tenure on the throne. While in Paris in autumn 1978, I heard that the Duchess had lost use of her hands and feet and had to be carried from her bed to a clinical couch. ', She was also the mistress of reinvention. The bedclothes became tattered. It was leased to the couple by the City of Paris for a peppercorn rent. In 1953 the Windsors moved to a grand villa on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, 20 minutes from central Paris. She was a martyr at the hands of greedy people.'. In 1916 she married Lt. Earl Winfield ("Win") Spencer, a pilot for the U.S. Navy. (2011) [Wallis Simpson]: Dies (off-screen) of old age/natural causes; her death is mentioned in the on-screen text at the end of the movie. The Duchess in Paris with her pugs, shortly before her collapse in 1975 from which she never recovered. You can read about Caroline’s investigations into the later life of the Duchess of Windsor in her book which is on Amazon. When they met, and she recounted her stories, he asked: Caroline then realised – she didn’t know. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. But the truth turned out to be very strange indeed. In 1916 she married Lt. Earl Winfield ("Win") Spencer, a pilot for the U.S. Navy. And King Edward VII's relationship with Wallis Simpson includes positive blind love. A Satanic figure was waiting and watching  -  wearing the mantle of good intention to disguise her malevolence. Edward, however, had all the power and moolah of the monarchy behind him. Wallis Simpson's 200-piece jewelry collection went on sale on April 3, 1987. Wallis Simpson was secretly in love with another man, a handsome American called Herman Rogers. Wallis Simpson died in April 1986. At this point Caroline realised how serious the lawyer was about protecting the duchess’ privacy.She realised it all the more when Maitre Blum blithely told her that she would kill her if she wrote one bad word about her client. I have to be very tactful.'. Pippa Middleton wraps up in a patterned coat and sunglasses as she takes two-year-old son... Denim dream! In truth, she was beyond caring. Vets surgically remove Apple headphones from a Golden Retriever's digestive system after he mistook... Mummy's boy! Some months later though, still worried, he tried again. She was a woman of style and elegance, but a woman who had suffered too long. No-one really knew anything about her recent life or the current state of her health. Her exact year of birth was in some doubt because it was suggested that she had been born before her patents were married so falsified her birth year. Now, after his death, she was on her own. You can see a wide range of articles. While the Duchess was in hospital, Blum took the first step to assuming control over her. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/.../duke-of-windsor-death-true-story Edward's father, King George V, died in early 1936, making Edward king. There is nothing in the face to recall that distinct and dominating look known to the whole world. She was at least (bearing in mind that her true birthdate was in question) ninety years old. I realise those were different times but even then if a crime had been reported (threatening behaviour towards Caroline or possible foul play re the Duchess) it would have been investigated especially considering who the Duchess was. Wallis Simpson was certainly into Edward, but that doesn’t mean her reasons were completely pure. Were these genuine? She was taken to the American Hospital and was sent home the following January a wreck. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, PrettyLittleThing - Offers on women's clothing, Get inspired by the newest styles and offers, Click through for ASOS promo codes this Autumn, Spend less with Missguided's exclusive codes, Treat yourself to offers on make-up and accessories, Check out the latest Wayfair sale to save on furniture. Within ten days of the Queen's visit, he was dead aged 77. ... Sean Connery's Cause of Death Revealed Weeks After He Dies at Age 90 Sean Connery died on Oct. 31 at age 90. Former FDA commissioner says cruises could be a 'lower risk endeavor' compared to other travel. Blum ensured the Duchess was sedated so she could not tell him anything. He introduced Caroline to him. As war with Germany was looming, they were also considered persona non grata in Britain because of their Nazi sympathies. The Duke (1894 - 1972) and Duchess (1896 - 1986) of Windsor, (formerly Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson) at their home, the Villa La Croe in Cap D'Antibes, Cannes in … During the war, the Duke was given the rather insignificant post of governor of the Bahamas, largely to keep him out of the way. The Dean found the house depressing, the Duke's regimental drums gathering dust, sad relics 'under brooding stillness', the garden with its 'memories of lavish summer evenings' now 'weeds, crab grass and ghosts'. Discover the real story, facts, and details of Wallis Simpson. It’s an enthralling read. The funeral service, at St George's Chapel, was marked by its simplicity. Wallis was aware of her shortcomings. No 5 Belgrave Square became a court for the king-in-waiting and his twice-married American mistress Wallis Simpson. co.uk/Books. But the next time Caroline contacted Maitre Blum,she was told that the duchess was well and content with her quiet life. Caroline then heard that one of the duchess’ old friends, an Austrian baron, had seen Wallis. Want to kick your fitness up a gear? Wallis left Win and eventually divorced him in December 1927. Why Edward VIII Abdicated the Throne to Marry Wallis Simpson. She decided to meet the duchess’ friends and find out more. Adapted from Behind Closed Doors, by Hugo Vickers, to be published by Hutchinson on April 7 priced £25. Wallis married Edward in June 1937, and spent the remainder of her life as the Duchess of Windsor, until her death in Paris in 1986. ', The ambassador concluded: 'She was perfectly compos mentis but it was as though living was a big task and could only be coped with for short intervals at a time.'. The Duke (1894 - 1972) and Duchess (1896 - 1986) of Windsor, (formerly Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson) at their home, the Villa La Croe in Cap D'Antibes, Cannes in … Edward met twice-divorced Wallis Simpson in 1931, so he began an infatuation that would last the rest of his life. After surgery, she recovered, and was eventually able to walk without a stick. In 1983, she saw the Dean of Windsor, Michael Mann, who said he would pass her message to the Queen and would respond. Birthplace: Blue Ridge Summit, PA Location of death: Paris, France Cause of death: unspecified Rema. Wallis was attractive, charismatic and worldly: by 1934, the two had become lovers. By that time, the Duchess was ill and the Duke had been diagnosed with inoperable throat cancer. 23h ago. They ate from their own bowls and even travelled to New York with the Duchess.When the Duchess fell ill, her nurses feared the dogs might infect her, so Ginseng and Diamond were taken away and lived elsewhere on the estate in Paris until they died. Father Odo said that von Ribbentrop “sent Wallis Simpson 17 carnations every day. He too had been prevented from seeing her by the old lawyer. She Was Born Into Privilege. Suzanne Blum's hour had all but come. He claimed that two years previously, he had received  phone call from the duchess who was clearly upset and wanted to know why all her old friends had abandoned her when the duke died. Her servant, Georges, totally forbade him to enter the house. However, on this occasion, as Blum demanded she look through some papers, the Duchess fought back. The Official Death of the Duchess of Windsor. Caroline realised that this was a strange situation and went on to talk to other people who were friends of the duchess. Blum was continually instilling panic into the Duchess about overspending. The effect was that of a palace in miniature, filled with the accoutrements of Royalty, a place where two people who had scandalised the world held lavish dinners and parties attended by the rich and powerful. Wallis Simpson was an outsider, American, ... Diana cause more stress on the Royal family then Megan Markle. Later Life and Death The Duke of Windsor died of cancer in 1972, and Wallis reportedly had a breakdown at his funeral. After that day, Blum did exactly as she pleased. My research reveals that sales in January and March 1976 made about $470,000, which Mr Amiguet deemed but a fraction of the expenses the Duchess was incurring. Yet Edward was so determined to marry Wallis that she obtained a preliminary decree of divorce in late 1936, so the pair could marry before Edward's coronation which was scheduled for May 1937. This period could fill many pages and could be compared to Dante's vision of Hell. Mr & Mrs Simpson were sociable, and often hosted gathering in their apartment. In January 1976 she announced that the Duchess had given instructions about which silver and porcelain objects should be sold. She dismissed Sir Godfrey Morley, the British lawyer who had handled the Duke's affairs and his last will, after persuading the confused Duchess that he was trying to get his hands on her money. By the end of her life, she had amassed a legendary collection. He later wrote: 'Her hands, which caught the eye immediately, were badly contorted in shape, and paralysed. By Hugo Vickers Updated: 11:06 BST, 20 March 2011, Glamorous: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor in Miami in 1941. They were no longer welcome to live in England. Wallis Simpson was a tragic figure trapped by marriage and exploited by her lawyer, finds Frances Wilson, as she delves into the richly detailed biography by Hugo Vickers, Behind Closed Doors. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. What he saw horrified him. After the death of her husband the Duke of Windsor in 1972, Wallis Simpson grew increasingly frail as a result of dementia. The baron used his every power of persuasion but couldn’t get to see the duchess. And Maitre Blum was inconsistent in her story. Sometimes, when in pain, she pleaded with nurses, hoping 'the Good Lord would take her away'. The truth behind the Wallis myths. It was September 1977, five years after the death of her husband, the man who had been briefly, and scandalously, King Edward VIII  -  and she was in poor health. In return, the Duchess signed a codicil to her will leaving items to France's great museums, in gratitude to the City of Paris for providing the house on the Bois. She was stick thin and seemed to be unconscious. The man was horrified by her stories and mentioned that he had a friend who was a private investigator. Business Insider. They sat at the centre of a gilded court-inexile, with a large entourage attending to their every whim. Maitre Blum was an old lady – almost as old as the duchess. Blum now had as near full control of the Duchess as she could have, but this was not enough: she now added the role of historian to her selfappointed duties. Blum had what she wanted; she was ready for the Duchess to die. The Duchess was light and social; Blum was austere and ruthless. In 1986, Wallis passed away in her Paris home aged 89. At that time, she employed two secretaries, a butler, chef, souschef, gardeners, chauffeurs, a nightwatchman and chambermaids. Oblivion (2013) [Victoria]: (1) The original version of Andrea is revelaed to have died (off-screen), along withTom Cruise,after they fly into an alien spaceship, and the aliens subsequently clone Tom and Andrea … Adapted from Behind Closed Doors, by Hugo Vickers, to be published by Hutchinson on April 7 priced £25. President Richard Nixon gave a dinner for the Windsors in Washington in 1970, the Duke in white tie, the Duchess in a cream silk crepe evening dress by Givenchy. Eventually, she fell out with Mr Amiguet on the grounds that he refused to send her money from Switzerland, where the Duchess's account was held. Between 1972 and 1975, photographs showed the Duchess at society occasions in Paris, arriving in New York, or strolling along a beach in Biarritz. The Mysterious Death of Wallis Simpson. Wallis left Win and eventually divorced him in December 1927. He travelled to Paris, determined to see the duchess so went straight to her home. She favoured imaginative pieces specially designed for her, including an onyx and diamond Cartier panther bracelet, a piece so beautifully articulated that it slunk over the wrist. French Home Once Belonging to King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson Asks €6.5 ... Clark’s Botanicals’ Clean, Cause-Minded Skincare. Her quick wit was also celebrated. Caroline told him what she had discovered. An Introduction To London Society Mr. Simpson and his American wife were divorced, and he and Wallis Spencer were married in London on July 21, 1928. The Duchess said something like, 'Oh, all right,' at which point the clerk left the room. What secret weapon, bullying tactics or threat he used we’ll never know but he was allowed a mere glimpse of the duchess in her home. As further indication of the low ebb that the Duchess had reached, Dr Thin admitted to a newspaper that the Duchess had such serious arthritis that he had ordered her wedding ring from the Duke to be 'gently cut off'. Her funeral was held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Chapel before being buried next to Edward in the Royal Burial Ground as Wallis, Duchess of Windsor. Early Life. I came home with 20 Bouchenes. Over Christmas 1972, she fell out of bed and, though in considerable pain, was not given proper treatment. Duchess of Windsor, Self: A King's Story. She was told that the interview would be arranged through the duchess’ lawyer, Suzanne Blum. She was buried in an English oak coffin, marked with a silver plate inscribed simply "Wallis, Duchess of Windsor, 1896-1986". Wallis Simpson was a tragic figure trapped by marriage and exploited by her lawyer, finds Frances Wilson, as she delves into the richly detailed biography by Hugo Vickers, Behind Closed Doors. One of those who succeeded in seeing the Duchess was Robin Beare, a distinguished plastic surgeon. They commissioned society photographer Lord Snowdon to travel to Paris as this would be a largely visual article. The Duchess's health concerns continued. A little of that high-octane life was still apparent when I first visited the house in 1972 to discuss the Duke's entry in a guide to the Royal Family to be published by Burke's Peerage. The lawyer had complete control. Her funeral was held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Chapel before being buried next to Edward in the Royal Burial Ground as Wallis, Duchess of Windsor. ... What happened to Wallis Simpson after the Duke of Windsor died? So the only thing I can do is dress better than everyone else. The twice-married American socialite whom the Duke abandoned the throne to marry could be seen at glittering events. Despite the wish for secrecy, rumours of the sales spread in Paris with Blum suspecting the Duchess's staff. Twice in February the Duchess was asked to sign new authorisations for Mr Amiguet to sell objects she might no longer wish to keep. Caroline Blackwood discovered that at some time after the duke had died the lawyer had acquired the duchess’ power of attorney and ruled every aspect of her life. Originally, Blum's first husband had represented the Windsors but she took on this role after his death. Learn more about this strange and bizarre story. Wallis Simpson. In a scene that undermines the myth that the marriage was ‘the greatest love affair in the world’, the former Edward VIII tearfully told Wallis Simpson, the divorcee for whom he gave up the throne in 1936, to break off her relationship with a wealthy playboy. Like much of her life, it was a mystery. The clerk began to read the document in French. ', Her distinctive, slightly haughty dress sense relied on clean lines and a lean figure. By the spring of the following year, the Duchess ceased speaking. Initially, though, all seemed well. With no family to advise her, the Duchess relied heavily on Blum. She came to the house with a notary and his clerk bearing a Power of Attorney document. Jackie Jackson, also known online as BritFlorida, is a highly experienced designer and writer. All death announcements will be published in the Daily Telegraph. There was still no chance of her seeing the duchess, she was told. After World War I, Win began to drink heavily and became abusive. Late in 1975, she suffered a perforated ulcer that led to a severe internal haemorrhage. He referred him to Maitre Blum. Wallis Warfield Spencer Simpson Windsor was born in 1896 to a distinguished family. They had no children and when the duke died in 1972, Wallis remained in their Paris home and was soon considered to be a recluse. Ten days later the Duke died. She had six children, and outlived three of them as well as her husband, who died 17 years before her. So the king gave up this throne so that he could marry her and they were given the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Instead she was destined to live a pathetic existence for the next ten years, virtually unable to move and later unable to speak. Edward became king after his father George V’s death in 1936, but his reign was short-lived, as the monarchy forbade Edward to marry Simpson, who was also a divorcee. In a scene that undermines the myth that the marriage was ‘the greatest love affair in the world’, the former Edward VIII tearfully told Wallis Simpson, the divorcee for whom he gave up the throne in 1936, to break off her relationship with a wealthy playboy. She had almost ceased to exist as a person. Wallis Simpson, later Duchess of Windsor, was an American commoner and a divorcee when she and the King of England fell in love and decided to marry in 1936. The Duke, who reigned for 10 months as King Edward VIII before abdicating, had been ill for some time. The Duchess of Windsor was permanently confined to her powder blue bedroom overlooking the lawns of her house in Paris. ... was staying in New York with his wife, Wallis Simpson. He was permitted to look through her bedroom door. Just before the Duke died, the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited them in Paris. The lawyer had several theories that she wished to promulgate. Her lapses of memory were worsening, a weakness that her French lawyer Suzanne Blum used to her great advantage. The broken hip had been bad enough, but now came a blow from which Wallis would never fully recover. Before her marriage to Edward, she had married twice and was also accused of being involved in extramarital relationships with influential men. But it also needed some copy so journalist Caroline Blackwood to write the piece. By this time Blum had been dead four years. pinterest-pin-it. They had tried to see Wallis but had been prevented from doing so. Caroline then discovered that the lawyer had been selling the duchess’ jewellery and valuable possessions. Wallis Simpson, also known as Wallis, Duchess of Windsor, was an American socialite and the wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor. Lady Diana and her husband were old friends of the Windsor’s, they were also exiled from Britain and had made their home in Paris near to the Windsor residence. In 1981 a senior doctor at the American Hospital told me the Duchess was in a pitiable state. The Duchess never saw them again. King Edward VIII first met Wallis Simpson in 1931, back when he was Prince of Wales, and she was still married. There’s no way of knowing. Edward met twice-divorced Wallis Simpson in 1931, so he began an infatuation that would last the rest of his life. My first visit occurred just before the Queen saw the Duke during a State visit to France, indicating a thaw in relations. If she did come downstairs and noticed any item missing, she should be informed that the French government had asked for the piece to be restored. The first person she spoke to was Lady Mosley, formerly Diana Mitford. Edward VIII's decision to abdicate his throne rather than give up the woman he loved has been described as … Mother who feeds her family-of-five on £20 a week reveals her money-saving tips including freezing cheese... Viewers of Netflix's Why Did You Kill Me? To me they symbolise the best of the Parisian taste of the Duchess. So it was that in 1936 Edward became the Duke of Windsor, before marrying Wallis Simpson in a private ceremony at the Château de Candé in France in June 1937. In her bedroom, the double bed was stripped. While on honeymoon with her third husband, the man who had been King Edward VIII, now the Duke of Windsor, Wallis Simpson … Andrea Riseborough (1981 - ) W.E. There were occasional interviews, and at least one photo-session with her pugs in Paris. The hall was dimly lit, while tables with eagles under them stood either side of the drawingroom door. On her first visit in 1980, Elvire arrived at the gates of Buckingham Palace but was not admitted. The comments below have been moderated in advance. The purpose of this document was to cover all Blum's various actions and activities. After the death of her husband the Duke of Windsor in 1972, Wallis Simpson grew increasingly frail as a result of dementia. Explore Wallis Simpson's biography, personal life, family and cause of death. The Duchess was still alert enough to refuse to sign these. co.uk/Books, Russian Air Force rehearse aerial stunts for Moscow parade, Andrew Marr bizarrely compares Prince Philip to 'Indian bride', Prince Philip and Princess Elizabeth giggle announcing engagement, Prince of Wales is seen leaving Windsor Castle in a Tesla, Police break down door to arrest man for 'breaching' Covid rules, Heavy drinking Cuban 'healer' performs surgeries with a machete, Jobson: Prince Philip used to 'flirt with the Queen all the time', Penny Junor: Prince William and Harry rift may overshadow funeral, Horses parade in Windsor for Duke of Edinburgh funeral rehearsal, Specially modified Land Rover will transport Prince Philip's coffin, Prince Philip: Charles and Camilla visit Marlborough House Gardens, Countess of Wessex and daughter seen walking down high street. Without warning, the frail 81-year-old summoned up an extraordinary burst of energy, turned to her and shouted: 'I HATE YOU!'. AKA Bessie Wallis Warfield. An Introduction To London Society Mr. Simpson and his American wife were divorced, and he and Wallis Spencer were married in London on July 21, 1928. Edward became king after his father George V’s death in 1936, but his reign was short-lived, as the monarchy forbade Edward to marry Simpson, who was also a divorcee. Patrick Lichfield and Cecil Beaton photographed the Duchess, the latter providing a snap for her passport. ... Sean Connery's Cause of Death Revealed Weeks After He Dies at Age 90 Sean Connery died on Oct. 31 at age 90. Wallis Simpson Loved Another Man — and Left the Duke of Windsor Alone on His Death Bed The woman who famously led Edward VIII to abdicate the … None of this was pleasant for the Duchess. Cautiously, Caroline had a further series of meetings and telephone calls with the lawyer. The Duke of Windsor's valet once said they were like the children the couple never had. The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Prince and Princess of Wales attended both the funeral ceremony and the burial. Yet Dr Thin also believed her physical health was quite good and she might live quite a while. Eight years after the duke died, the editors of the Sunday Times in London decided that their readers would like to know more about the current life of the woman who had caused so much scandal and disruption in the 1930s. During her investigations she met a wealthy Frenchman who told her that he had been approached by someone trying to sell him some valuable goods that had belonged to the late duke. Although few members of our Royal Family would see the Windsors, the titled, the great and the good from the rest of the world paid homage to the couple. The Windsors also purchased the cosier Mill at Gif-sur-Yvette outside Paris, while in New York, they rented a spacious apartment on the 37th floor of the Waldorf Towers. While he was a popular monarch, on October 27 Mrs Simpson … Wallis Simpson lived much of her life in the lap of luxury, and her birth … Twice-divorced American woman who became the lover of King Edward VIII while he was Prince of Wales. To order your copy for £20.99 with free p&p, call the Review Bookstore on 08 5 155 0730 or visit www.MailLife. One person who saw much of the Duchess was Elvire Gozin, her night nurse from 1976 to 1986. The investigator went onto explain that it was relatively common in France to conceal deaths when large sums of money, wills or trust funds were involved. Her husband the duke had formerly been King Edward VIII and famously he abdicated in 1936 so that he could marry her. In 1986, Wallis passed away in her Paris home aged 89. Edward's father, King George V, died in early 1936, making Edward king. Without the formal duties demanded of other members of the Royal Family, there was opportunity for endless travelling. They entertained Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich and Maria Callas, while fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley and his wife Diana were neighbours. Of her extravagant tendencies and wispy frame, she once quipped: 'You can never be too rich or too thin.'.