A Dash of Gold and Crimson

'A dash of gold and crimson in a drab world'. This was how dashing young Prince Edward was described by one newspaper writer when he went on tour after World War One. Great crowds gathered to see the popular young prince. He was loved partly because of his blonde, blue-eyed good looks although he was not very tall.

Only 21 the Prince shook over 25000 hands. His right hand became so bruised and swollen that it had to be put into a sling. Conscious of his duties, however, he continued shaking hands with his left.

Edward was not exactly eager to become King, however. He did not agree with the concept of the monarchy and stated that: "The idea that my birth and title should somehow or other set me apart from and above other people struck me as wrong…I suppose that, without quite understanding why, I was in unconscious rebellion against my position."1.

The young Prince's parents were strict, cold and distant. His upbringing was not a happy one, and he spent much of his early life terrified of His father's rages. His mother, Queen Mary, placed her husband first and said that she had to remember that 'their father is also their King'.

Edward (who preferred to be called David) was given ceremonial duties to fulfill but not responsibilities. He became increasingly unhappy and discontented in this 'waiting' role, and looked for amusements. The 'fast life' of the Twenties appealed to this very modern young man who began attending nightclubs where he enjoyed American jazz and cigarettes. He also preferred American women to English ones, calling them 'snappy'. Like his great-nephew, Prince Charles, he found older, married women attractive. Perhaps he was looking for a 'mother-figure' because he had such a distant and reserved mother. He started seeing Lady Coke who was 12 years older.

His next 'dancing partner' was Mrs Dudley Ward who had two children.

In 1928 a crisis occurred. King George was taken ill, and thought to be dying. He handed his power to the Crown Council upon which Prince Edward served. The young Prince became even more popular because he was sympathetic to the desperate, unemployed men in the coal fields he toured. Finally the people thought that they had a Prince who would do something about the state of the country. He also agreed to sell his horses, sacrificing for the people a sport which he dearly loved.

The King recovered and the Prince had to give up his new powers. He also found a new American mistress. Although the dark-haired, beautiful, Thelma Furness was married and American she was younger - 24. Edward was 35. She was neglected by her wealthy and powerful husband and

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