Edward VIII spent much of his public life as Prince of Wales before a reign of less than a year. He served in the army during the First World War, although his position as heir restricted his exposure to frontline combat. Afterward he undertook extensive tours of Britain, the empire and other countries. Informal contact with crowds and attention to industrial and social conditions helped create an image of a modern, accessible royal figure.

He succeeded George V in January 1936. As king he continued public engagements, including visits to distressed industrial areas, but his relationship with Wallis Simpson soon dominated discussions with ministers. She was seeking a second divorce, and his wish to marry her conflicted with the government's advice and the expectations surrounding the sovereign's position in the Church of England. The dominions also had a constitutional interest in any settlement affecting the monarchy.

Unable to secure an acceptable arrangement while remaining king, Edward signed the Instrument of Abdication on December 10, 1936. Legislation gave it effect the following day and excluded him and any descendants from the succession. His brother became George VI. Created duke of Windsor, Edward married Simpson in 1937 and lived mainly abroad. Their visit to Nazi Germany that year, including a meeting with Hitler, became a lasting source of controversy over his political judgment and sympathies.

During the Second World War he left France as German forces advanced and was appointed governor of the Bahamas in 1940. He held that office until 1945, his last substantial official appointment. After the war he returned to life abroad, chiefly in France, and published memoirs offering his own account of the abdication. He died in 1972. His career joined popularity as heir to the constitutional crisis that ended his kingship. The later governorship restored a public role without returning him to the central responsibilities of the monarchy.