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Once a King: The Lost Memoir of Edward VIII
Using never before seen sources, Once a King is a fresh, revelatory and gripping insight into the Duke of Windsor - King Edward VIII - who gave up the throne to marry the woman he loved, twice divorced American Wallis Simpson.
Considering Edward VIII's travels and interests as Prince of Wales as well as his relationship with Wallis Simpson and the course of events leading up to his abdication and subsequent exile, Once a King offers a previously unexplored lens through which we encounter first-hand the hitherto concealed subtlety and raw emotion of two of the twentieth century's most iconic Royal the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
Considering Edward VIII's travels and interests as Prince of Wales as well as his relationship with Wallis Simpson and the course of events leading up to his abdication and subsequent exile, Once a King offers a previously unexplored lens through which we encounter first-hand the hitherto concealed subtlety and raw emotion of two of the twentieth century's most iconic Royal the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 4, 2024
There are very few historical characters who I find more frustrating than Edward VIII. Throughout Jane Marguerite Tippet's excellent Once A King, I thought, "Come on dude. Be serious."
Tippett created this book by using previously unavailable sources to bring Edward's voice to the fore. As you may have guess from my opening, I was not keen to give Edward any slack. Additionally, Tippett extensively uses Edward's own words in the narrative and fills in the blanks when necessary. I often dislike books which do this because the main character always feels distant from the reader. However, Tippett strikes a perfect balance of explaining Edward but also letting him talk. By the end, I still found Edward off-putting, but I had a better idea of how he perceived the twists and turns of this life.
I will also point out that this book assumes you know at least the basics of Edward, his wife Wallis Simpson, and the abdication. You don't need to have read multiple books but you may want to take a glance at Wikipedia before you dive in.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the author.)
Tippett created this book by using previously unavailable sources to bring Edward's voice to the fore. As you may have guess from my opening, I was not keen to give Edward any slack. Additionally, Tippett extensively uses Edward's own words in the narrative and fills in the blanks when necessary. I often dislike books which do this because the main character always feels distant from the reader. However, Tippett strikes a perfect balance of explaining Edward but also letting him talk. By the end, I still found Edward off-putting, but I had a better idea of how he perceived the twists and turns of this life.
I will also point out that this book assumes you know at least the basics of Edward, his wife Wallis Simpson, and the abdication. You don't need to have read multiple books but you may want to take a glance at Wikipedia before you dive in.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the author.)
February 20, 2024
Well researched and presented, I admired the format, making it clear when the voices of the protagonists were being heard. Not so keen on the Charles V Murphy parts, but then I read his book about the Windsors many years ago.
Did I feel differently about Wallis and Edward on hearing more of "their side" of the story? Yes, in the case of Wallis, as I came to realise that she was blamed, and took the blame for the whole sorry saga, yet he was equally if not more responsible.
The Duke could have made much more effort to demonstrate her finer qualities rather than agitating forever about the HRH position, which again appeared from this book, more about HIS status being diminished by HER lack of it.
As you can see, my opinion of him has not improved. I think Ms Tippett has done a magnificent task of presenting this new material especially about the German aspect. It doesn't quite exonerate him, though it did demonstrate the impact on his thinking of the horrors he witnessed in WW1, and his genuine fear and dread that it might happen again.
Finally there are so many parallels, not alluded to in the book, but strongly felt by me, with the story of a much younger Prince of our times, and his American bride.
Did I feel differently about Wallis and Edward on hearing more of "their side" of the story? Yes, in the case of Wallis, as I came to realise that she was blamed, and took the blame for the whole sorry saga, yet he was equally if not more responsible.
The Duke could have made much more effort to demonstrate her finer qualities rather than agitating forever about the HRH position, which again appeared from this book, more about HIS status being diminished by HER lack of it.
As you can see, my opinion of him has not improved. I think Ms Tippett has done a magnificent task of presenting this new material especially about the German aspect. It doesn't quite exonerate him, though it did demonstrate the impact on his thinking of the horrors he witnessed in WW1, and his genuine fear and dread that it might happen again.
Finally there are so many parallels, not alluded to in the book, but strongly felt by me, with the story of a much younger Prince of our times, and his American bride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2024
I first became interested in Edward VIII's story during the height of Diana-mania in the mid-1980's, when I was unabashedly a royal family fan. I had seen a movie starring Jane Seymour and Anthony Andrews called The Woman He Loved, and I thought it was the most romantic thing a young teen could imagine. How naive I was.
This book contains parts of Edward VIII's memoir that were not initially published in the 1950's, presumably in an attempt to not piss off his family any further. Once a King attempts to rehabilitate the Duke of Windsor's reputation, which has taken quite a hit in recent decades because of "Pro Germany" sympathies. The truth, according to this book, is more nuanced than that. Overall, it is a very good edition to my burgeoning collection of the history of Great Britain's royal family.
One thing is for sure: Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor, comes off much more sympathetically in this book. It's almost as if the press, especially in Great Britain, has a beef with any of the women who marry into The Firm.
This book contains parts of Edward VIII's memoir that were not initially published in the 1950's, presumably in an attempt to not piss off his family any further. Once a King attempts to rehabilitate the Duke of Windsor's reputation, which has taken quite a hit in recent decades because of "Pro Germany" sympathies. The truth, according to this book, is more nuanced than that. Overall, it is a very good edition to my burgeoning collection of the history of Great Britain's royal family.
One thing is for sure: Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor, comes off much more sympathetically in this book. It's almost as if the press, especially in Great Britain, has a beef with any of the women who marry into The Firm.
March 4, 2024
Fantastic glimpse of history. Be prepared for research side journeys on events of the times. Told from the Duke of Windsor's own words and writing for a profile piece in the 50s, the book reveals the inner negotiations before and immediately after the decision to abdicate. The end of the book touches on implications that suggest the Duke had a wartime alliance with Germany.
Great for fans of British history.
Great for fans of British history.
February 27, 2024
fascinating . I have read so much about Edward and Wallis but these letters and interviews and memos and interviewers and cowriters letters and observations shed a whole new light on alot!I did this on audiobook , which ahd 3 different voices which really made it come alive.
September 19, 2024
I listened to this book on Audible.
I have always been interested in the Royal Family. The story of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson has fascinated me. The author uses never seen before sources for this book.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor have had much written about them and their story is as interesting today as it was then. This book sheds more light on the emotions of the royal couple. I feel the couple are looked on in a more human capacity.
I do feel that a lot of what transpired with Edwars’ abdication is very similar to what we have seen happen to Prince Harry and Megan. It’s as if the Royal family has not learned valuable lessons from the past.
I have always been interested in the Royal Family. The story of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson has fascinated me. The author uses never seen before sources for this book.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor have had much written about them and their story is as interesting today as it was then. This book sheds more light on the emotions of the royal couple. I feel the couple are looked on in a more human capacity.
I do feel that a lot of what transpired with Edwars’ abdication is very similar to what we have seen happen to Prince Harry and Megan. It’s as if the Royal family has not learned valuable lessons from the past.
April 19, 2025
this is a book researched with previous book written by another author, it was found in an archival library and then this author sorted out and wrote with added historical footnotes. I thought the memoir was pretty telling about King and then Duke Edward VIII, he was a fascinating, honest, and positive force when he led his country, but he fell in love and was out of favor then and abdicated in 1936. The British were not ready for an unconventional marriage with an American divorcee, but we will never know what his reign would have been if he was allowed to lead England instead of his brother George. I like the book, very factual and honest in the testament of this man's strength.
February 5, 2024
Edward VIII published his memoirs in the 1950s but he left out a lot of the juicy details for fear of upsetting people and being sued. This book includes the juicy bits that were left out. I think the book helps our understanding of Edward's thoughts and motives and corrects the record in many ways. However, it is not a whitewash by any means.
February 28, 2024
An interesting read that has shades of the current British Royal Family. A new King (be it one who abdicated) wanting to modernise the way things are and a former Royal writing his autobiography and being angry about the way his American wife has been treated.
August 24, 2025
A great book to read to get a new side to Edward VIII and the story revolving around the abdication and other controversies that surround him and Wallis. It attempts to combat the historical narratives that haunt him and shed a new light on the German question.
November 10, 2023
Nothing particularly groundbreaking but good historical insights
February 27, 2024
Fascinating and very well written, Challenged quite a few of my previously held ideas and things I thought I knew!
February 29, 2024
Well written
June 8, 2024
Well written, well researched book using primary sources. Any student of modern royal history should find this fascinating. I certainly did.
August 25, 2024
DNF: slow and boring. Skimmed most of it.
January 4, 2025
Very self serving, which isn’t surprising given the Duke of Windsor’s personality.
November 1, 2023
I love books like this so I am a firm 5 star rating
January 31, 2024
I don’t think it showed him in a better light, as was promised. In fact the expurgated parts did him a favour if being cut. They just showed him to be a spoilt and entitled man.
However, that’s my personal opinion and it doesn’t minimise the fact that there is this wealth of historical archive that has been, until now, unpublished. It’s brought to life cleverly by Tippett. She is clearly passionate about this subject.
Well researched and pulled together in a very easy to read format by Tippett. Would be interested to see if she continued her research on the other book.
However, that’s my personal opinion and it doesn’t minimise the fact that there is this wealth of historical archive that has been, until now, unpublished. It’s brought to life cleverly by Tippett. She is clearly passionate about this subject.
Well researched and pulled together in a very easy to read format by Tippett. Would be interested to see if she continued her research on the other book.
April 22, 2025
King Edward VIII was king of the UK, its colonies, and dominions for most of 1936, before abdicating to be with his divorcee lover, Wallis Simpson, because “the country” couldn’t manage having the king married to someone who’s divorced.
This book looks at what Edward VIII did in his young life, his actions as a Prince, and his time as King up to his abdication, and a little an afterwards. After finishing it, you’ll be left thinking that he might be attractive and good with crowds, but wasn’t very bright, that even if he wanted to modernise the monarchy, he was horribly naive, that he couldn’t manage professional politicians, that Stanley Baldwin (the Prime Minister) might have “done him wrong”, that he might have been able to retain the crown, and that he really could have done with better PR.
You’ll also be reminded how similar to Prince Harry.
The author’s central thesis takes the king at his word that the King abdicated “for the good of the country”. You couldn’t have a king going face to face with a government in a constitutional monarchy, and once the marriage was going to be a fact, and the government opposed it, the King only had one option. I would have liked her to have at least test that idea. Early in the book, she says he liked to go at things his own way. I was left feeling that this wasn’t discussed as the abdication approached, and I really think it should have been raised.
Turning to the abdication itself, I honestly think that the whole issue could have been resolved if members of the government had actually talked to his wife to be. Sure they were having a bit fun together, but he hadn’t actually talked to Wallis Simpson about marriage (till just before the abdication), or what would happen to him, and the country, if he abdicated.
To make matters worse in my mind, it felt like he was putting WAY TOO MUCH pressure on her. He’d given up an empire for her. How do you leave someone who does that? She might have had an affair a little while after they married, but judging from the book, it felt like she was trapped on occasion, and was certainly aware of what he had done.
The book ends by discussing Edward VIII’s relationship with Hitler, and makes an argument for him not being willing to… act like Quizling in Norway, and run the country, should the Germans take over. While I agree it might have been a stretch, and there’s very little documentary evidence for it, I would argue that I read the Ted Heath autobiography a few years ago, and he visited Germany as an 18 year old in the run up to war. As a young man, he was aware something wasn’t right there, but were expected to believe that that just… blew past Edward (while he’s being treated like an international dignitary), without him noticing? I’m not saying that he positively asked for it, or that it was discussed, but I was left wondering if he’d have accepted, had it been offered at a later day.
My last issue with the German thing was if Edward was antisemitic. He might not have been wanting to be enthroned by them, but did he agree with any of their policies? This isn’t discussed at all. He was just trying to avoid war at all costs.
All in all the book is a little hagiographic, to my mind, but you might like it more than I did.
This book looks at what Edward VIII did in his young life, his actions as a Prince, and his time as King up to his abdication, and a little an afterwards. After finishing it, you’ll be left thinking that he might be attractive and good with crowds, but wasn’t very bright, that even if he wanted to modernise the monarchy, he was horribly naive, that he couldn’t manage professional politicians, that Stanley Baldwin (the Prime Minister) might have “done him wrong”, that he might have been able to retain the crown, and that he really could have done with better PR.
You’ll also be reminded how similar to Prince Harry.
The author’s central thesis takes the king at his word that the King abdicated “for the good of the country”. You couldn’t have a king going face to face with a government in a constitutional monarchy, and once the marriage was going to be a fact, and the government opposed it, the King only had one option. I would have liked her to have at least test that idea. Early in the book, she says he liked to go at things his own way. I was left feeling that this wasn’t discussed as the abdication approached, and I really think it should have been raised.
Turning to the abdication itself, I honestly think that the whole issue could have been resolved if members of the government had actually talked to his wife to be. Sure they were having a bit fun together, but he hadn’t actually talked to Wallis Simpson about marriage (till just before the abdication), or what would happen to him, and the country, if he abdicated.
To make matters worse in my mind, it felt like he was putting WAY TOO MUCH pressure on her. He’d given up an empire for her. How do you leave someone who does that? She might have had an affair a little while after they married, but judging from the book, it felt like she was trapped on occasion, and was certainly aware of what he had done.
The book ends by discussing Edward VIII’s relationship with Hitler, and makes an argument for him not being willing to… act like Quizling in Norway, and run the country, should the Germans take over. While I agree it might have been a stretch, and there’s very little documentary evidence for it, I would argue that I read the Ted Heath autobiography a few years ago, and he visited Germany as an 18 year old in the run up to war. As a young man, he was aware something wasn’t right there, but were expected to believe that that just… blew past Edward (while he’s being treated like an international dignitary), without him noticing? I’m not saying that he positively asked for it, or that it was discussed, but I was left wondering if he’d have accepted, had it been offered at a later day.
My last issue with the German thing was if Edward was antisemitic. He might not have been wanting to be enthroned by them, but did he agree with any of their policies? This isn’t discussed at all. He was just trying to avoid war at all costs.
All in all the book is a little hagiographic, to my mind, but you might like it more than I did.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews