Wallis Simpson vs Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
From Vulgar History: Regency Era by Vulgar History | Realm
June 3, 2026 · 1h 27m
About this episode
This episode discusses the rivalry between Wallis Simpson and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, inspired by Melanie Benjamin's novel 'The Windsor Affair'.
Wallis Simpson was an American divorcee who won the heart of Prince Edward. In 1935, Edward abdicated as King so that he could marry Wallis. Meanwhile, his brother Prince Albert married Scottish noblewoman Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. For most of their lives, Elizabeth and Wallis hated each other. This dramatic real-life rivalry inspired The Windsor Affair, a new novel by Melanie Benjamin. Melanie joins us to discuss this scandalous history and how modern-day British royal women compare to these famous rivals. Buy a copy of The Windsor Affair (affiliate link) — Support our Trevor Project fundraiser — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at…
People in this episode
Host: Vulgar History
Guest: Melanie Benjamin
Topics covered
- royal history
- rivalry
- abdication
- British monarchy
- scandal
Keywords
- Wallis Simpson
- Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
- Prince Edward
- abdication
- British royal family
Sponsors
commonera.com
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Trevor Project
Products: Rebel of the Regency
Books & works: The Windsor Affair
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