Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson Interview (1969) | BBC Radio 4

Video Description

HRH the Duke of Windsor (1894-1972, formerly King Edward VIII) and the Duchess of Windsor (1896-1986, formerly Wallis Warfield Simpson) are interviewed by Kenneth Harris for the BBC in their home in Paris. In this rare interview, they both speak at length about their interests and hobbies, as well as their frustrations and regrets. Other topics include the monarchy, the Duke's role as Governor of the Bahamas, modern youth and women in business. For a list of topics and the according times scroll down. Topics: [00:01] The monarchy today & Prince Charles' education [02:02] First meeting of the Duke and Duchess [03:28] The Duke's bad habits & interests [04:36] Disagreements [05:30] The Duke's time as Governor of the Bahamas [07:07] Modern youth [09:49] "Being with it" [10:13] Women in business & the Duchess's wish for a career [11:38] Loneliness in old age [12:55] The secret of keeping young [13:19] The Duchess's background & the Duke's favourite part of Britain [13:49] The Americans and the British [14:31] Regrets [14:54] Their wish to have had children [15:11] The relationship between parents and children [15:31] The Duke's upbringing and relationship with his father [17:15] The Duke's regrets I consider this to be an unusually open and honest interview and probably the only one of this length which hadn't been rehearsed or written down beforehand. For anyone interested in history, I think this is a good place to start before doing more research. I hope you will enjoy listening to this rather amusing talk and the remarkably modern views of the couple. The Interview was recorded and partially filmed in October 1969 and was first broadcast on BBC 4 in March 1970. The part presented here is the full interview with the Duke and Duchess together, which is not available on film for the most part. A largely full interview with the Duke from this session is available on film, I might post this at a later date. Pictures used: Cecil Beaton - December 1960 At le moulin de la Tuileries - July 1966 Patrick Lichfield - September 1967 Cecil Beaton - December 1960 On board the SS United States - 1960s Philippe Halsman - 1956 Dorothy Wilding - May 1952 Henri Cartier-Bresson - 1951 Patrick Lichfield - September 1967 Richard Avedon - 1957 This recording is for educational purposes only and is covered under Fair Use doctrine of the Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. § 107. No financial or other monetary gains are to be received from the display of this recording. All rights belong to the BBC and the Photographers listed above. I take the freedom of removing any inappropriate comments implying hatred or spreading badly researched conspiracy theories.