3-021-856 - British Pathe Ltd/Heritage Images

BBC Broadcasting House, 1936. Britain - King Edward VIII's decision to marry Wallis Simpson. 'Parliament assembled, and wondering crowds watched as ministers and members came and went. "Crisis!" the papers said in banner headlines. For Britain had found herself faced by a constitutional dilemma, unprecedented even in her long and eventful history. The nation looked to the King and to Stanley Baldwin's government. There were for and there were against...over the radio, [the] King made a statement, telling of an issue already decided. "At long last, I am able to say a few words of my own. I have never wanted to withhold anything, but until now it has not been constitutionally possible for me to speak. You all know the reasons which have impelled me to renounce the throne, but you must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility, and to discharge my duties as king, as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love. And now we all have a new king. I wish him, and you, and you, his people, happiness and prosperity, with all my heart. God bless you all, God save the king!".' From "Time To Remember - The Time Of The Three Kings", 1936 (Reel 4); documentary about events of the year of the abdication crisis.