King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson (Duke and Duchess of Windsor)

[Eric_Lowe]

Yes. That piece is very "Cartier".

[CountessKate]

Anyone have a scan of the famous Bib necklace ?

There's a picture here: http://forum.alexanderpalace.org/index.php?topic=7635.420 about halfway down the page.

[Eric_Lowe]

Not the same. The other one was set in gold with multi colour stones...

[Lindelle]

Thanks Grace

[Lindelle]

And Tom, thankyou so much for the pics. It quite surprised me as I imagined their home to be light and airy. Apparently (if we dare to believe so) Dodi took Diana through this house and she didn't like it. Yet that may be a rumour. But wow, what a place to live in, different hey? Thanks again

[Douglas]

I used to think their life in exile was exciting and fun.  But now I look at that faux Paris palace and their life during those years and  I feel suffocated and sad.

 I suppose given their background and state of mind, that is about all that could be expected of the two.

Douglas

[TampaBay]

Douglas,

I think you are correct in your evaluation of their live then.  However, if the were alive today and in their prime (40s-60s) they would fit right in with the celebrity culture of today.  Think Sarah Ferguson. 

They would be offered a reality TV show.  They would be on the cover of all the magazines.  They would lunch with P. Ditty and Ivana Trump.

I think the Duchess loved and coveted the quiet, reserved life of the old moneyed rich a la Jackie Kennedy and Brook Astor but I think the Duke coveted the spotlight and all the attention.

Just my humble opinion.

TampaBay

[Tsaritsa]

I just finished reading the thread.  I really enjoyed everyone's thoughts and insights into Wallis and David.

I saw a picture years ago of David and Wallis on New Years.  I assume it was New Years.  Anyway.....they were both wearing party crowns.  I Google'd it and came up empty.  Does anyone have the picture or know anything about it?  I thought it was rather sad.  They were older in the picture.  They just seemed so miserable.  Though with David's perennial woebegone expression who can tell? 

[TampaBay]

I think David was more miserable than Wallis in that her life offered her more outlets for her talents.

I never understood what the Duke's talents were.

TampaBay

[Keith]

I've seen the picture also. Not sure if I saw it in one of their bios or not.

If I remember correctly it was at New Years 1953 and the crowns were worn as it was the coronation year.

[Tsaritsa]

Thanks, Keith.  I thought it was New Years.  I would love to see to again.  I'm sure it was in a book or magazine.  I hope to see it soon. 

Douglas,

I think you are correct in your evaluation of their live then.  However, if the were alive today and in their prime (40s-60s) they would fit right in with the celebrity culture of today.  Think Sarah Ferguson. 

They would be offered a reality TV show.  They would be on the cover of all the magazines.  They would lunch with P. Ditty and Ivana Trump.

I think the Duchess loved and coveted the quiet, reserved life of the old moneyed rich a la Jackie Kennedy and Brook Astor but I think the Duke coveted the spotlight and all the attention.

Just my humble opinion.

TampaBay

Sounds fun and exciting doesn't it?  To party and have the cash to live how you want and do what you please.  Be on all the magazine covers.  Maybe to some.  Not to me.  I agree with you Tampa.  I think Wallis wanted peace and quiet.  David on the other hand liked the spotlight.  I wonder if it had anything to do with being POW.  He certainly was adored and used to preferential treatment.  After stepping down he wasn't always accorded that.  It must have been difficult for him.  He wanted it for the Duchess.  In their home of course she was addressed as HRH.  I think he was on a never ending search to regain what he had lost.  From the public and Cafe society yes.  From the Royal family no.  Or at least not for Wallis.   

[LadyTudorRose]

I just finished reading the thread.  I really enjoyed everyone's thoughts and insights into Wallis and David.

I saw a picture years ago of David and Wallis on New Years.  I assume it was New Years.  Anyway.....they were both wearing party crowns.  I Google'd it and came up empty.  Does anyone have the picture or know anything about it?  I thought it was rather sad.  They were older in the picture.  They just seemed so miserable.  Though with David's perennial woebegone expression who can tell? 

http://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/13/37/91/62/scanfo10.jpg

Scanned from Stephen Birmingham's biography of Wallis. This what you wanted?

[Keith]

That's the same one I found.

I'm just curious, do you have the hardback copy of the book. I have the paperback and the picture stops right above Wallis' hands.

[Grace]

They certainly don't look miserable in this photo to me.  I am frankly surprised that David would have allowed such a photo to be taken, coronation year or otherwise.  I think it rather proves to us all that he did not take the role he was born to with particular gravity - either at the time he inherited the crown or later. 

Of course there will be those who disagree and think I'm being too harsh...

[Tsaritsa]

Jeniann, thank you so much for posting the picture. 

As I said it has been years since I saw the photo.  You're right Grace they don't look miserable.  I too am surprised that the pair would pose wearing crowns.  My memory is obviously not what it used to be.