Traitor King

The Scandalous Exile of the Duke & Duchess of Windsor

December 11, 1936. The King of England, Edward VIII, has given up his crown, foregoing his duty for the love of Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. Their courtship has been dogged by controversy and scandal, but with Edward's abdication, they can live happily ever after.

But do they? This is a story of a royal shut out by his family and forced into exile; of the Nazi attempts to recruit the duke to their cause; and of why the duke, as Governor of the Bahamas, tried to shut down the investigation into the murder of a close friend. It is a story of a couple obsessed with their status, financially exploiting their position, all the while manipulating the media to portray themselves as victims.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were, in their day, the most glamorous exiles in the world, flitting from sumptuously appointed mansions in the south of France to luxurious residences in Palm Beach. But they were spoiled, selfish people, obsessed with their image, and reveling in adulterous affairs. Drawing upon previously unexplored archives, Lownie shows in dramatic fashion how their glittering world was riddled with treachery and betrayal-and why the royal family never forgave the duke for choosing love over duty

©2022 Andrew Lownie (P)2022 Tantor

Finally

The abdication crisis is fascinating, but what happened next is equally fascinating. I have never been under the illusion that either of them were good people. They were nonetheless held together by something far larger than themselves. The years after the abdication were complex, and more than a bit sad. My heart broke for those they came in contact with. Great book.

Despicable

David & Wallace were definitely fascists and a loathsome couple who deserved one another. Thank God they had zero influence on Britain.

Well researched

I enjoyed the book, but less so the narration. The author was difficult to understand unless I slowed the speed down to 90%. I will still give the overall rating of five for detail.

Very interesting account

I am very interested in the Royals and their history. While this couple is unlikeable, selfish, narcissistic, there is a little part of them that is kind of sad. Sad existence and the Duke comes off as pretty pitiful and clearly obsessed with someone who didn’t love him. History would be very different if he had not given up the throne.

The extensive research done by the author.

The book is not one of fantasy, but one that is thoroughly researched and most interesting.