"A few hours ago I discharged my last duty as King and Emperor, and now that I have been succeeded 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 impelled me to renounce the throne. But I want you to understand that in making up my mind I did not forget the country or the empire, which, as Prince of Wales 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 impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love. ....
During these hard days I have been comforted by her majesty my mother and by my family. "
- Edward VIII (1894-1972) became King of England after the death of his father, George V, on January 20, 1936. On December 10, 1936, King Edward VIII submitted his abdication and it was endorsed by Parliament the next day. He thus became the only British monarch ever to resign voluntarily. Edward was made Duke of Windsor by his brother, George VI, following his resignation and he and Wallis Simpson were married on 5 June 1937.
The above text is from his resignation speech on December 11, 1936.
Hear the speech at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UouwlU4YE-w
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