Monday, December 6, 2010

Major quarrel between Queen Mary and son

Embed from Getty Images 
 December 6, 1936

According to the latest United Press dispatch, Queen Mary and other members of the British royal family fear that King Edward VIII is planning to join Mrs. Simpson "suddenly and secretly -- probably by airplane."

It was learned tonight that Queen met with her eldest son from 4:30 p.m. until 7:20 p.m. yesterday and the "two quarreled violently."  Queen Mary appealed to Edward "in the name of decency and in the memory of his father, the late King George."  She demanded that he place his "kingly duties" before his personal life.

According to "friends of the family,"  Edward rejected his mother's appeals, "pleading his right to live his own life."  The meeting was described by "persons close to the court" as a "sad one."   The King is described as tired, "haggard, and angry."  He has not slept well in several days.

Queen Mary is said to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown.  Friends say she has "aged noticeably in the last few days,: but she is trying to face the events with the "courage for which she is famous."
One friend said: "Queen Mary has cried herself out.  Now she seems in a trance, hardly able to realize all that she and King George worked for - all the popularity of the royal family which they devoted a lifetime to fostering  - is now tumbling down.  Her distress is extreme."

Several members of the royal family still retain hope that Edward will not abdicate, but even Queen Mary feels that "in view of the King's attitude it might be better if he does abdicate for the best interest of the throne."
Before yesterday's meeting  Queen Mary and King Edward "sought spiritual guidance and strength from the Archbishop of Canterbury."

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