Historic TLS signed "Edward," two pages, 7.5 x 9.5, 24 Boulevard Souchet letterhead, March 13, 1939. Letter to newspaper publisher and politician Lord Beaverbrook, disputing allegations put forth in the press in the years following his abdication. In part: "I feel it both important and urgent to draw your attention to the comments on the Duchess and myself which appeared in the Londoner's Log of yesterday's issue of the 'Sunday Express.' While I appreciate the general tone of the article, it contains two definite misstatements which are not only misleading to your readers, but confuse the whole situation. I have quoted the two paragraphs to which I refer and written the true version of the facts on a separate sheet which I enclose.
Knowing that it is not your intention that anything published in your newspapers should create a false impression which could react adversely upon the Duchess and myself, I think that you may wish to dispel the one created in yesterday's Sunday Express, as soon as and in whatever form you judge to be consistent with 'good timing' and dignity. Of course you know as well as I do, that it is for no other reason than for fear lest the attitude my mother and sister-in-law seem likely to adopt towards my wife may provoke some controversy in England and adverse criticism of them in America, that I have been advised to postpone our projected visit to England this Spring, until after the King and Queen's official journey to Canada and the United States. In accordance with the policy of playing my brother's game, I have agreed to another postponement, but, believe me, for the last time.
I know I need not stress the highly confidential nature of this letter, or the grave danger of the information it contains ever being traced back to me. But as I look upon you as one of our staunchest supportest [sic], I am anxious that you should know the truth." Edward makes a couple handwritten corrections to the text.
Includes the enclosed typescript, quoting two passages from the 'Londoner's Log' in question and responding to them in an irritated manner. In full: "1. 'He lives as a refugee in France not because of the laws of England prevent his return, but because he wishes to do so.' While the Duchess and I have received the greatest courtesy in all the countries, especially France, where we have resided since our marriage, I have not lived out of England for over two years by preference. It is true that there exists no law to prevent my returning to my country whenever I wish to do so, but I have remained away out of deference to my brother in order to leave the field clear for him to establish himself on the throne, which it is admitted he has succeeded in doing.
2. 'The Duke has set his own conditions of return. He requires that the Duchess of Windsor shall be accorded the title of Royal Highness, and that she shall be received by both the Queens. Until these requests are granted, the Duke has announced that he will not set foot in England.' I have never made any such announcement nor would I ever set conditions upon my return to England. Regarding the two stipulations I am alledged [sic] to have made, I wish to say firstly, that while naturally the matter of witholding [sic] the title of Royal Highness from the Duchess is an insult which I as her husband and a member of the Royal Family have always resented far more deeply than she has, we have too many other more important interests to worry over such a triviality. Secondly, whatever may be the behaviour of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth towards the Duchess, it would in no way affect any plans we might make for going to England." In fine condition, with two file holes and lightly trimmed edges, a rusty paperclip impression to the upper left, and uniform toning to the typescript enclosure.
A fascinating and insightful letter, expounding on some of the strife within the royal family in the years after King Edward VIII's controversial abdication.
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