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Synopsis:
He abandoned crown and country for the woman he loved. Everything that is known about Edward VIII is almost totally eclipsed by the world-shattering act which brought his short reign to a close in 1936. To many it seemed a selfish and irresponsible abandonment of duty. To others it was the supreme sacrifice of a man who put love above all things. Based on the definitive biography by Frances Donaldson, Edward and Mrs Simpson focuses on the riveting truth behind the sensational headlines. The crisis which began innocently enough when the Prince of Wales met Mrs Wallis Simpson in 1930, intensified when he succeeded his father to the throne in January 1936 and ended with his unforgettable farewell to the nation in December 1936.The love story of the most popular Prince of Wales in history and his twice-married wife-to-be is played out against a background of political anxiety and family tension, with Edward seemingly insensitive to all but his future happiness with the woman he loved. Made in locations where the actual events took place, Edward and Mrs Simpson is scripted by distinguished novelist Simon Raven and stars Edward Fox in the title role which won him no fewer than 3 best actor awards.
BAFTA and Emmy Award Winner.
Hawthorne's character:
Nigel Hawthorne's characterization was of Walter Monckton, whom he portrayed to the satisfaction of the real-life acquaintances of the man. The Monckton family "made me an honourary member, gave me the Monckton family tie," Hawthorne reported with a chuckle in a 1990 interview with Newsday.
