A scene in Downing Street during the Abdication crisis
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A scene in Downing Street during the Abdication crisis
A cyclist sympathetic to the dilemma of King Edward VIII in December 1936, talks to a policeman in Downing Street, London. The kings desire to marry Mrs Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee split the government and resulted in a constitutional crisis, with the Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin refusing to allow the king to marry and have Wallis as his Queen. Edward abdicated in favour of his younger brother, Albert (King George VI) and became the Duke of Windsor, marrying Wallis in June 1937
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Media ID 4404569
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10224132
Abdicated Abdication Baldwin Brother Constitutional Crisis Cyclist Desire Dilemma Divorcee Downing Favour Marry Marrying Minister Prime Refusing Resulted Simpson Split Stanley Sympathetic Viii Wallis Windsor Younger 1936 1937 Albert December
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative scene captured in December 1936, a sympathetic cyclist engages in a heartfelt conversation with a policeman in Downing Street, London. The backdrop to this historic moment is the unfolding Abdication Crisis that would ultimately lead to the resignation of King Edward VIII and the ascension of his younger brother, Albert, to the throne as King George VI. The constitutional crisis was ignited by King Edward's desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee, despite strong opposition from the government and the Church of England. The Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, refused to allow the king to marry and have Wallis as his queen, leading to a bitter standoff. The image of the cyclist and policeman in Downing Street serves as a poignant reminder of the tumultuous times that gripped the United Kingdom during this period. The king's abdication in favor of his brother on December 11, 1936, marked a significant turning point in British history. Edward and Wallis went on to marry in June 1937, and Edward became the Duke of Windsor. This photograph offers a glimpse into the intense political and social upheaval of the time, as the monarchy grappled with the implications of modernity, personal desire, and constitutional duty. The scene on the street outside 10 Downing Street underscores the complexities of the Abdication Crisis and the profound impact it had on the monarchy and the nation. This image is a powerful reminder of a pivotal moment in history, and its historical significance is undeniable. It is an essential addition to any collection of historical photographs or those interested in the history of the British monarchy.
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