The love affair of Edward, Prince of Wales (Edward VIII) and Wallis Simpson in 1936 is the stuff of romantic dramas. Alas, reality was a lot less inspiring. Even as she was being wooed by her regal paramour – and while still being married to Ernest Aldrich Simpson, who knew of the Prince’s attentions and even discussed the adulterous relationship with him – Wallis had an affair with Guy Marcus Trundle, a car salesman.
So reveal documents released in January 2003 by the Public Record Office in the United Kingdom. Trundle is described as a “very charming adventurer, very good looking, well bred and an excellent dancer”. He lived at 18 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London (a prestigious address).
Simpson’s first husband was Earl Winfield Spencer. The King met her on January 10, 1931 but was not impressed. Even in the months after May 1934, when he met her for the second time, dined with her and her husband in their London flat and invited them to his country retreat – she did not captivate him. He did take her on a cruise, two years later, unaccompanied by her husband. He tried to introduce her in court, but George V was...