His chosen partner, Wallis Simpson, was not only an American, but an American divorcee.

BBC: How do you have an honourable resignation?

Madonna has cast James Fox and his son Laurence Fox in her film about Edward VIII's wife, Wallis Simpson.

BBC: Madonna casts Fox family for Wallis Simpson film

In 1937, the Duke of Windsor, who had abdicated as King Edward VIII of England, married Wallis Simpson in France.

CNN: Tuesday,

In the mid-20th century, the carpet wound up in the hands of Sita Devi, a woman some refer to as the Wallis Simpson of India.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The outfit was designed by Michael O'Connor and will be worn by actress Andrea Riseborough, who will play Wallis Simpson in the film co-written by Madonna.

BBC: Wallis Simpson dress

But the fate of Lilibet, as she was known to her friends, changed when her uncle Edward abdicated the thone to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee.

CNN: Queen Elizabeth celebrates 60 years on throne

The Queen Mother was a person who symbolised service... she sustained this country and the royal family when King Edward VIII was forced to abdicate over his relationship with twice-married Wallis Simpson.

CNN: Amanpour, Quest: Britain's lament