Episodes

EpisodeTitleFirst
Broadcast
RepeatedComments
01The King's Matter2016120820210617/18 (BBC7)
Stanley Baldwin and Cosmo Lang are determined that Edward VIII will not turn back the clock and impose his will on the governance of England by marrying the American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

If Edward and Mrs Simpson were to have their way, the Church of England would suffer disestablishment and the national government would collapse.

In essence, this is the story of two men determined to persuade the King from a marriage they feel is not only unsuitable - but also wrong.

Starring Jim Broadbent, Hugh Ross and Anthony Calf.

Christopher Lee's exploration of Edward VIII's abdication crisis.

Stanley Baldwin - Jim Broadbent

Cosmo Lang - Hugh Ross

Lord Beaverbrook - Mark Straker

Chaplain - Michael Jayston

Mary - Kika Markham

The concluding episode is told from the point of view of Wallis Simpson, as imagined from the memoirs of those based with her in the south of France at that time.

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2016.

Stanley Baldwin and Cosmo Lang vie to persuade Edward VIII not to abdicate.

02The Crisis Of Wallis Simpson2016120920210618/19 (BBC7)
Wallis Simpson's view of the abdication crisis as imagined from memoirs of those involved between December 4th and December 12th 1936 and based with her in the south of France at that time.

With a clearer mind, having fled to France to escape the publicity and press intrusion surrounding her impending marriage to Edward VIII, Wallis tries to persuade the King not to abdicate and convince him they can continue their relationship without the need to marry.

Nicola Baldwin's take on Edward VIII's abdication crisis.

Wallis Simpson - Frances Barber

Kitty Rogers - Jane McKenna

Herman Rogers - Mark Straker

Lord Brownlow - Richard Dillane

Goddard - David Collings

George Ladbrook - Ben Crowe

Inspector - Richard Atlee

A Pier production for Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2016.

Wallis Simpson's view of the abdication crisis from a safe haven in the south of France.