Search the Collection

Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor (King Edward VIII)

(1894-1972), Reigned 1936

Sitter in 437 portraits
Eldest son of George V and Queen Mary. Prince Edward was commissioned into the Guards in 1914, but as heir to the throne his request for active service was denied. He spent the war abroad, visiting troops. During the 1920s and 1930s, his concern for unemployment and successful tours throughout the Empire made him a popular figure. He was King Edward VIII from January to December 1936, but abdicated following insoluble constitutional problems raised by his proposed marriage to the American socialite and divorcée, Wallis Simpson. They married in June 1937 and lived abroad, mainly in France. He was Governor of the Bahamas from 1940 to 1945.

Explore the portrait of King Edward VIII from all angles

12 Likes voting
is closed

Thanks for Liking

Please Like other favourites!
If they inspire you please support our work.

Make a donation Close

List Thumbnail

Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor (King Edward VIII), by Hugh Cecil (Hugh Cecil Saunders) - NPG P136

Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor (King Edward VIII)

by Hugh Cecil (Hugh Cecil Saunders)
sepia bromide print, 1936
NPG P136

Wallis, Duchess of Windsor; Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor (King Edward VIII), by Cecil Beaton - NPG P266

Wallis, Duchess of Windsor; Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor (King Edward VIII)

by Cecil Beaton
bromide print, 2 June 1937
On display in Room 27 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG P266

Wallis at the Window, by Cecil Beaton - NPG P263

Wallis at the Window

by Cecil Beaton
bromide print, 2 June 1937
NPG P263

Comments back to top

We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.

If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.