Edward VIII's abdication forced cancellation of his planned coronation, leading George VI and Elizabeth to be crowned on the same date instead.
Key Facts
- Planned coronation date
- 12 May 1937
- Abdication date
- 11 December 1936
- Reason for cancellation
- Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson
- Venue
- Westminster Abbey
- Coins withdrawn
- Edward VIII coins scheduled January 1937, melted down
- Subsequent coronation
- George VI and Elizabeth crowned on same date
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Edward VIII's insistence on marrying Wallis Simpson, an American socialite and divorcée, triggered a constitutional crisis. His choice met with strong political and public opposition, as marriage to a divorcée was considered incompatible with his role as King and head of the Church of England, leaving abdication as the outcome.
The coronation of Edward VIII, scheduled for 12 May 1937 at Westminster Abbey, was cancelled after Edward formally abdicated on 11 December 1936. Extensive preparations had already been made and commemorative souvenirs widely produced and sold in anticipation of the event, which never took place.
Edward's abdication left retailers and manufacturers holding large quantities of now-obsolete commemorative goods. Coins bearing his image were withdrawn and melted down. His brother, George VI, and sister-in-law Elizabeth were crowned in his place on the originally scheduled date of 12 May 1937.