Edward VIII was the King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Empire from January 20, 1936, until his abdication in December of the same year. His reign was notably brief, primarily because of his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée, which caused a constitutional crisis. The British government and the church opposed the marriage, leading Edward to choose abdication over sacrificing his love, thus ending his reign and becoming the Duke of Windsor. Edward was born on June 23, 1894, as the eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary. He was known for his charismatic personality and appeal, which made him a popular figure. Despite his royal duties, Edward showed a keen interest in military service and sympathetic views towards various humanitarian causes during his early years as king. However, his reign was overshadowed by the controversy over his relationship with Wallis Simpson and his subsequent abdication. Following his abdication, Edward married Wallis Simpson in 1937, and the couple lived abroad for much of his life. He was given the title Duke of Windsor and took on roles less centered around monarchy and more on diplomatic engagements. Edward passed away on May 28, 1972, leaving a complex legacy as a monarch who chose personal happiness over duty, which had significant implications for the British monarchy’s public image and constitutional history.