Wallis Simpson (born Bessie Wallis Wakefield; 19 June 1896—24 April 1986) was an American socialite who gained notoriety for her relationship with Edward VIII. Her funeral was attended by several members of Wallis Simpson: Her Life, Legacy, and Marriage to Edward VIII She grew up in a well-to-do family in Maryland and was known to be impeccably well dressed and always at the best parties. Edward, Duke of Windsor, and formerly Edward VIII of England, at his wedding to wife The collection also included a 19-karat emerald and diamond ring commemorating their secret engagement in 1936, inscribed with the words “We Are Ours Now.” It sold for $1.98 million.The then-King Edward VIII gave up the throne to controversially marry Wallis, who hailed from Baltimore, Maryland, in the U.S. and was twice divorced, on June 3, 1937. Wallis, along with Edward, was soon suspected of being a The Prince Of Wales, Later King Edward Viii, At Ascot Races With Wallis Simpson In 1935. By The Duke of Windsor died of cancer in 1972, and Wallis reportedly had a breakdown at his funeral. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. If you would like to opt out of browser push notifications, please refer to the following instructions specific to your device and browser: On This Day in Royal History: Wallis Simpson's Historic Jewelry Collection Went on Sale By using ThoughtCo, you accept ourThe Relationship Between Queen Elizabeth II and Queen VictoriaBiography of King George VI, Britain’s Unexpected KingBritish Royal Weddings from Victoria to Meghan MarkleBiography of Princess Louise, Princess Royal and Duchess of Fife Princess Diana died when Harry was just 12 years old Through a friend, Wallis met Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1931. Text us for exclusive photos and videos, royal news, and way more. After crossing paths for a few years at house parties, Wallis and Edward entered a romantic and sexual relationship in 1934. Their relationship caused a constitutional crisis that ultimately led to Edward’s abdication. 18, 2020. Although Wallis's investments were destroyed in the Edward had become the Duke of Windsor upon his brother’s accession, and while Wallis was permitted the title of “Duchess of Windsor” upon their marriage, the royal family refused to let her share in the “Royal Highness” style. Despite pressure on all sides, Edward refused to give up his relationship Wallis, and instead chose to Wallis's mother Alice remarried in 1908 to a prominent The Duke of Windsor died of cancer in 1972, and Wallis reportedly had a breakdown at his funeral. Exiled to France, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor became known for their extravagant lifestyle.In addition to their face value, the jewelry was also sentimental. This presented several problems.
He even introduced Wallis to his parents, which caused a huge scandal, seeing as divorced people were not typically welcome at court. When Edward VIII (then the Prince of Wales) met Wallis Simpson back in 1931, it was the start of a royal romance that changed the course of history — it was also the beginning of a very impressive (and romantic) jewelry collection.On April 3, 1987, those jewels made history, going under the hammer at Sotheby’s in Geneva, fetching over $50 million — a world record for a single-owner jewelry collection and six times the expected figure.The vast collection, which included over 200 pieces of stunning jewelry, were gifts the Duke of Windsor had lavished on Simpson over the course of their lives together. From the beginning, however, their relationship was strained, in large part due to Spencer’s heavy drinking. By this time, she was suffering from dementia and other health problems, and her lawyer, Suzanne Blum, took advantage of Wallis’s state to enrich herself and her friends. Elizabeth Taylor, a friend of the couple, phoned in from Los Angeles to bid on a diamond ostrich plume brooch, and British actress Joan Collins bought a sapphire pendant.As requested on her death in 1986 (the duke died in 1972), all proceeds were left to the Pasteur Institute in Paris, a medical research foundation which specializing in AIDS and cancer research.
By 1920, they entered an on-and-off period of temporary separations, and Wallis had at least one affair (with Argentine diplomat, Felipe de Espil). April 03, 2020 12:24 PM Get push notifications with news, features and more. By Lex Goodman | Mar.