The Private World of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor by Hugo Vickers

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"The Private World of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor" by Hugo Vickers is a first edition, hardcover book published … Read more "The Private World of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor" by Hugo Vickers is a first edition, hardcover book published in 1996 by Abbeville Press US and in 1995 Harrods Publishing UK.

**A word on the author Mr. Hugo Vickers- Eton educated renowned British historian, biographer an broadcaster, known for his extensive expertise on the House of Windsor. The Financial Times has described Hugo Vickers as "the most knowledgeable royal biographer on the planet".**

This original book delves into the history of the British Royal Family, specifically focusing on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor who were (formerly King Edward VIII) and his American wife, Wallis Simpson. Their abdication scandal, caused by Edwards decision to marry the twice divorced woman, forced him to give up the British throne to his brother, George VI, after which they lived in exile in France.

It includes photographs from their private collection, providing a unique insight into their personal lives. Some never before seen photographs, because not until in 1986 Mohammed Al Fayed, brought the lost luster to both, Harrods in London and the Hotel Ritz in Paris, Mr. Al Fayed went on and acquired the Paris mansion where the Duke and Duchess lived post abdication, Villa Windsor, in the Bois du Bologne, a park in Paris suburbs, where they lived until their respective deaths, in fact he bought the home and its contents, it being the last home of the Duke and Duchess.

The residence began a restoration process, a few photographs were found in drawers and chests about the home, along with other scrapbooks, newspaper clippings and mementos of the couple's life together. But it was not until 1988, that the mahogany lid covering the bathtub in the Duke's bathroom, was lifted only to reveal the most exciting find - an additional hoard of some ten thousand photographs. The loyal staff, had hid the stash in the bathtub to keep them safe from acquisitive guests during the the Duchess's long illness, when many private papers were disappearing from the house. The found photographs ranged from family snapshots to formal portraits by such well-known photographers as Cecil Beaton and Karsh of Ottawa. This remarkable cache of photographs, scrapbooks, as well as other objects revealed the Windsors' very different backgrounds - the Duke as a royal prince, brought up to be the King, and the Duchess growing up in an unremarkable family in Baltimore. The varied photographs show them as young adults, portray their romance, and reveal their thirty-five years of married life in exile following the Abdication.

Remember the fact that, Mr. Al Fayed's only son Dodi, was years later was the newly divorced Princess Diana's boyfriend, and they perished together sadly, in that Paris tunnel while being chased by paparazzi.

The book was printed in North America and is written in English, making it a valuable addition for collectors and history enthusiasts interested in the Windsors. See less