115: Wallis Simpson: Before the Royals (Part 1)

In this *very special* two-part series, Kyla Pitts-Zevin (Kristin’s sister & mayor of all of Kristin’s podcasts) tells us about an extraordinarily complicated woman. Wallis Simpson is best known for her relationship with King Edward VIII. When he announced his intention to marry the American divorcee, a constitutional crisis erupted that led to his abdication of the throne.

The abdication altered the course of history. People had plenty to say about Wallis Simpson, the new Duchess of Windsor. But what was her deal, really? In part one, we explore her early life and her first two marriages.

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Kyla pulled from:
“That Woman: The life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor,” by Anne Sebba
“Countdown to Abdication: A Very Royal Crisis,” BBC documentary
“Duchess of Windsor: The Woman Who Stole a King’s Heart,” documentary
Wikipedia
“Traitor King: The Scandalous Exile of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor,” by Andrew Lownie
“Disbelief from Family of Simpson’s Lover,” BBC

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.