KING EDWARD VIII - INSCRIBED ILLUSTRATION SIGNED 1963 - HFSID 46595

EDWARD VIII (DUKE OF WINDSOR)
Small black and white printed image of Edward VIII (Duke of Windsor).
Printed Image inscribed and signed: "To/Gabrielle Clark/Edward/Duke of Windsor/1963". B/w, 4½x6. Creased in right background. ¼-inch tear at lower right margin. Chipped at left edge. Accompanied by Autograph Letter, unsigned, from the artist who drew Edward's portrait. No place, no date. To Gabrielle Clark, to whom Edward inscribed the portrait. Begins: "Dear Gabrielle". In full: "Excuse this dirty used paper I'm off to Spain and have nothing else in a hurry to send this off. Here I return the photos Lilian asked me to send you back Christian looks lovely, what a pity I didn't see him, give him lots of kisses from me I also enclose a photograph of the painting I did of the Duke of Windsor which is hanging in the duchess room near her bed - I asked him to dedicate a photo to you, because it would mean so much to you. Her once King done by the girl she tried to educate He thought my idea most '[illegible]' and very kindly autographed it for you. So now you can put it in front of your desk for a while and send all those awfull (sic) people you know where - Will be at another address - Meanwhile - Lots love and kisses Sweetie". Lightly creased with folds. Lightly soiled. Irregular upper edge. Overall, fine condition. Edward (1894-1972), the eldest son of Britain's King George V and Queen Mary, was created Prince of Wales in 1911. When King George V died in January 1936, Edward became England's first bachelor King in 176 years. There were official protests opposing his proposal to marry American divorcee, Mrs. Wallis Warfield Simpson and elevate her to Queen. Met by unyielding opposition by his ministers, Edward chose to abdicate in December 1936, after less than 11 months on the throne. Created Duke of Windsor by his brother and successor, King George VI, he married Wallis the following June. The Duke and Duchess lived abroad, primarily in France and the U.S., returning to England only twice (1952 and 1953) before being formally invited to a ceremony honoring Edward's mother in 1967. Both the Duke and Duchess (who died in 1986) are buried on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Two items.