Edward VIII of the United Kingdom

Early life

Edward was born on 23 June 1894 at White Lodge, Richmond, Surrey.

Related Topics:
23 June - 1894 - White Lodge - Richmond - Surrey

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

His father was The Duke of York (later King George V), the second son of The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) and The Princess of Wales (formerly Princess Alexandra of Denmark). His mother was The Duchess of York (formerly Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, the eldest daughter of The Duke of Teck and Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge). As a great grandson of Queen Victoria in the male line, Edward was styled His Highness Prince Edward of York at his birth. He was named after his deceased uncle Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale, who had always been known as Eddy. His last four names - George, Andrew, Patrick and David - came from the Patron Saints of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The Prince was nevertheless, for the rest of his life, known to his family and close friends, by his last name, David.

Related Topics:
The Duke of York - The Prince of Wales - The Princess of Wales - The Duchess of York - The Duke of Teck - Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge - Queen Victoria - George - Andrew - Patrick - David

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

His paternal grandfather was still the Prince of Wales at the time of his birth. His eldest son, The Duke of Clarence and Avondale, had been second in line for the throne. However the Duke reportedly died of pneumonia on 14 January 1892. The Duke of York replaced him as second in line for the throne. Prince Edward was consequently third in line for the throne at the time of his birth.

Related Topics:
Prince of Wales - The Duke of Clarence and Avondale - Pneumonia - 14 January - 1892

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Edward's parents, The Duke and Duchess of York, were often removed from their children's upbringing. Edward and his younger brother Albert received considerable abuse at the hands of the royal nanny. The nanny would pinch and scratch Edward before he was due to be presented to his parents. His subsequent crying and wailing would lead the Duke and Duchess to send Edward and the nanny away.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Four younger siblings of Edward and Albert were born between 1897 and 1905: Mary, Henry, George and John.

Related Topics:
1897 - 1905 - Mary - Henry - George - John

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~