What Would You Give Up For Love?
This is a short play. Should any teacher wishing to perform for the education of children. I give my permission, free of fees or copyright.
I have always been intrigued with King Edward V111 and Wallis Simpson. This short play is an imaginary discussion between Baldwin, Queen Mary, and King Edward V111, in the Queen’s private chambers.
The Three Characters:
Stanley Baldwin — Prime Minister.
Queen Mary — The King’s Mother.
Edward VIII — later, the Duke of Windsor.
Setting — Queen Mary’s private chambers, Buckingham Palace, December 10th 1936.
Circumstances: It has been eight days since the last meeting between Mr. Stanley Baldwin and the King. The story broke in the press the day after their previous meeting, and Mrs. Simpson, the King’s mistress, has kept a low profile ever since.
The King has been avoiding Baldwin and appears unwilling to meet him and incapable of further discussion on the subject. Baldwin is under intense pressure to resolve the situation, and as a last throw of the dice, has asked for an urgent audience with Queen Mary in the hope that together, they will be able to find a solution.
Baldwin is a stout loyalist, and he fervently hopes to keep the Crown on the King’s head, but if he doesn’t speedily find a remedy, than his own position, as well as that of the King, will be untenable.
Blue Blood — A one-act play.
Baldwin: Enters. Bows his head.
Your Majesty, thank you for seeing me at such short notice.
Queen:
Tea, Mr. Baldwin? — I am as anxious as you are for a resolution to this extremely distressing situation. — Shall I be Mother?
The Queen pours two cups of tea, using the tray sitting on a side table.
Milk, sugar, Mr Baldwin?
Baldwin:
Milk, one lump, please, Ma’am. Your Majesty, I apologize for my bluntness but the King must be made to see the error of this UN-holy infatuation with Mrs. Simpson.
Queen:
Mr. Baldwin, I will not have that woman’s name mentioned in my presence.
Baldwin:
Apologies, Ma’am, but time is of the essence. With respect, Ma’am, we must try to agree a joint strategy as to how we approach this most unfortunate affair.
Queen:
We, Mr. Baldwin? I had formed the opinion that you had requested this meeting in order to inform myself that His Majesty’s Government had actually enlightened His Majesty as to the error of his ways.
But first things first, please be seated Mr Baldwin, how is your health?
This terrible affair must be placing you under great strain — as with us all.
(Baldwin sits opposite the Queen and takes tea from her.)
Baldwin:
I must be honest, Ma’am, I would rather be dealing with other matters, this affair should be kept where it belongs. But unfortunately, Ma’am, at this moment, despite strenuous efforts, a resolution is an ambition that still eludes us. I had hoped for enlightenment from your Majesty.
Queen:
Mr. Baldwin, I am informed you have had two previous audiences with His Majesty in order to discuss this very subject. Am I to believe that these were to no avail?
Baldwin:
Four times, in total, Ma’am. The first in late October, at my request, to inform His Majesty at my growing alarm as to rumors which would, in my opinion, damage the Crown.
The second, Ma’am, shortly afterward, at which I was informed by HisMajesty that he intends to marry Mrs….er the woman in question, and that he is prepared to go if needs be.
Queen:
I trust, Mr. Baldwin, that you informed His Majesty as to the follies of such nonsense?
Baldwin:
I did, Ma’am, but one week later, I discussed with His Majesty the possibility of Parliament passing a special bill that would allow His Majesty to marry the woman without her becoming Queen. I was told to put the matter to my Cabinet — until then, I had kept everything secret from my colleagues.
Queen :
I hope they were suitably shocked.
Baldwin:
They were, Ma’am, and I informed His Majesty over a week ago that although my enquiries were not complete, they had gone far enough to indicate that neither Britain nor the Dominions would tolerate any marriage to this woman, let alone a morganatic one.
I then left His Majesty to ponder events. But I’m afraid, Ma’am, His Majesty has not responded to my requests for a further audience. I fear that His Majesty is deliberately avoiding me, Ma’am. I fear, at the moment, that His Majesty keeps council with others.
Queen:
Mr. Baldwin, this is most distressing; you are to be congratulated on your loyalty to your sovereign, but I had no idea that matters had gone this far.
Why he is so insistent on marrying this woman is a conundrum that still eludes me. As Prince of Wales, my son had a string of mistresses, but he never sought to legitimize any of those relationships. He always maintained the dignity of our household, but now he is King, he seems determined to undermine everything that we stand for.
It seems that he fails to realize that as King, he can have this woman until he tires of her or she of him. All he needs do is maintain appearances; no one would care, as long as he kept her hidden.
Baldwin:
Ma’am, I have made that very point to His Majesty myself, but, alas, it seems that he will not even contemplate such a liaison.
Queen:
I am intensely disappointed, Mr. Baldwin, but I am afraid that time may be against us for less than you imagine. I have invited His Majesty to join me here tonight in expectation the situation has been resolved, and I fear that His Majesty’s appearance in our midst is very close. However, this will at least grant you the audience you so desire.
Baldwin:
Thank you, Ma’am. Will I be able to rely upon your support?
Queen:
Mr. Baldwin, I am more than determined not to see that woman ruin His Majesty nor the good name of our family. I am prepared to try my best to influence the King and to give you my full and unconditional support in your efforts to defeat this woman.
Baldwin:
Your Majesty is most gracious. I have here a secret service file regarding the woman in question. I apologize for its content, but I’m afraid that desperate times call for desperate measures; you do need to look at it, Ma’am.
I would respectfully request, Ma’am, that you would inform me of your feelings, after you have seen its contents, as to how the King will react to the information that it contains.
(The Queens looks briefly at the file, then her interest becomes more and
more intent.)
Queen:
This is beginning to read like one of that man Lawrence’s novels. Worse, worse than er Lady er, Lady, oh, what’s-her-name?
(The Queen continues to read, but avidly now.)
Baldwin:
Lady Chatterley, Ma’am, but I wouldn’t know any great detail about any of those kinds of books.
(The Queen sits upright, pushing the file to arm’s length.)
Queen:
Oh, nor I, Mr. Baldwin. I just happened to overhear two parlor maids discussing it one day. A most disgusting piece of pornography, as if a lady would demean herself with a common gamekeeper.
Baldwin:
Quite so, Ma’am, quite so.
(The Queen scans the rest of the file, quickly finishing.)
Queen:
This is dreadful, I knew she had been divorced and remarried and was now in the process of divorcing again, but the rest is disgraceful; the woman has no shame whatsoever. I thank God the newspapers do not have this information.
Baldwin:
Most dreadful, Ma’am, but several pages relate to her contacts within the German government, which may be just as dreadful.
(The Queen opens and takes another cursory look at the file.)
Queen:
Worrying, Mr. Baldwin, but nothing compared to her indiscretions.
Well done, Mr. Baldwin; I’m confident His Majesty does not know this carryings-on. I am sure that he will be as shocked as I and take the necessary steps to dispatch this woman back to the gutter from whence she came. Let us pray that this file is the enlightenment that His Majesty needs.
Baldwin:
Pray indeed, Ma’am, for here comes His Majesty now.
(The King enters. He is surprised to see the Prime Minister. Baldwin bows his head.)
King:
Your Majesty, Prime Minister — I did not realize this was to be a three-sided engagement. I hope I’m not late.
Baldwin:
Your Majesty has not kept us waiting. Her Majesty and myself we’re having a most interesting discussion.
King:
On what subject, Mr. Baldwin? Could it have been about the weather?
Queen:
David, please, let us not drop our standards. Even this situation does not warrant sarcasm.
King:
Apologies, Mr. Baldwin. I’m sorry, Mother. I assume I have been asked here this evening to discuss the current crisis, which appears to have only become public knowledge the day after our last meeting, Mr. Baldwin?
Baldwin:
Sir, the press lifted its self-imposed censorship after the speech by Dr. Blunt, the Bishop of Bradford, coincidentally on the same day as our last meeting. However, I can assure your Majesty that I, like yourself, would have preferred this censorship to have continued.
King:
Perhaps so? But maybe it’s for the best? It certainly has concentrated minds.
Queen:
Gentlemen, please, we are not here to score debating points; we are here to resolve the situation caused by that woman.
King:
Mother, you are talking about the woman I love; she does have a name.
Queen:
I will not have that woman’s name mentioned in my presence.
King:
Madam! I remind you that you are speaking to your King.
Queen:
Sir, I would remind my King that I know precisely to whom I am speaking. I would remind my King about respect for his mother.
Baldwin:
Your Majesties, please, please, we must concentrate on the matter at hand. Ma’am, the file, please.
Queen:
David, you should see this. I’m sorry.
Baldwin:
Sir, that is a top-secret file compiled by your security services. It contains specific information that is better kept in its file rather than in the public domain because of its nature.
King:
Prime Minister that sounds dangerously like blackmail.
Baldwin:
Sir, as a politician, on occasions, and for the public good, I have had to resort to dubious tactics in the past, but I can assure, your Majesty, that blackmail has never been part of my armory and never will be, for that matter.
The contents of this file will remain secret no matter what events may overwhelm us or what misfortunes may befall us. There will be no possibility of blackmail, especially from me, Sir!
Queen:
David, how could you say such a thing? Please look at the file.
King:
This is nonsense; this vile album is full of falsehoods, innuendo and gossip.
Baldwin:
Sir, I suggest that more than a cursory look is required.
King:
Mr. Baldwin, my opinion is already formed as to the purpose of the contents of this midden.
I’m fully aware that when men go looking for certain particulars to prove a point, they will invariably find those particulars, come what may, and that the truth inevitably becomes the casualty of their intent.
However, I will take this cesspool away and peruse it at leisure. Will that satisfy both of you?
Baldwin:
Sir, the truth in this instance is quite simple: the file is top secret and cannot, nor will not, leave my presence.
King:
Cannot, will not? I see — even a King cannot be trusted with certain State secrets, even though he is the head of that State. A paradox not too dissimilar to mine; Head of State, but not head of my wishes, unless, of course, those wishes are sanctioned by others. Thus, making them not my own.
The lowest in the land has, enshrined in law, more freedom than his King. But, come, Mr. Baldwin, even you must appreciate the irony of it all.
Queen:
David, you have been aware of the rules all of your life; privilege goes hand in glove with responsibility and duty. So I fail to understand your surprise.
King:
Mother, my surprise is not the result of my lack of understanding of my predicament; on the contrary, I understand it better than anyone ever could.
You and Father have made sure that I was made fully aware of my duties and responsibilities for as long as I can remember. Yet, I have always heard constant reminders about my duties and responsibilities all my life.
My surprise, mother dear, is at my newfound courage to break free from the shackles of those burdensome twins; after all these years, I don’t care anymore.
That’s my surprise. I can’t believe how good it feels not to care. Wallis has lifted a significant burden from my shoulders; she has taught me that I also have a duty to myself, and she has taught me how to live.
Even if the contents of that dustbin are accurate, can’t you see? It doesn’t matter. Can’t you see, what she has taught me is far more important than what she has done in the past? What she does in the future, by my side, is all that matters.
Queen:
David, please don’t let this woman ruin our family. Think of your poor dead father, think of your brothers, think of your family history, think of me, and think of yourself.
King:
I’ve thought of all those things, Mother, long and hard, and nothing else since my last meeting with Mr. Baldwin.
Mr. Baldwin, correct me if I’m wrong, but as I see it, the constitutional position is as follows. I have three options.
Firstly, I can keep the throne — and give up Wallis?
Secondly, I can ignore your advice, ask for your resignation, and rule with a completely new Cabinet. There have been, as well you know, public demonstrations against you, as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury, and I also believe that Mr. Churchill has raised the matter in Parliament in support of my position.
Or thirdly, I can abdicate. Then I am free to follow whichever path I desire.
Is this also your understanding of the situation?
Baldwin:
Your Majesty, your appraisal is most accurate, but I respectfully point out that you have only two options in reality. The first one and the last — because you appear to have overlooked one vital ingredient.
You may ask for my resignation, but it will not be tendered. You could then exercise your power and remove me from office against my will, but
Would the formation of a new Cabinet be as easy as you appear to think, especially if Mr. Churchill becomes aware of the German connection?
A fundamental question immediately springs to mind, would the British people rather lose their King or the independence of their Parliament?
I would respectfully point out to your Majesty that the last monarch who asked this question of the people of this land did not simply lose his
head over a mere woman.
King:
You are impertinent, Sir. Damned impertinent!
Baldwin:
And you, Sir, delude yourself if you think that I, or any other member of that great house, will roll over as your toy poodle to enable you to dally with your lady friend.
Queen:
David, you overstep the mark. Give her up or give up the Crown. Mr. Baldwin is correct; your choices are only too evident; give her up for all our sakes.
You are the King of England, start to act like it. Kings of England do not marry their mistresses; where would we all be now if they had? Have you learnt nothing, Sir? You can have this woman, but why must you insist on having her publicly by your side?
Look at the file; she is not fit to be seen in decent company.
King:
I stopped acting the part of King when I met Wallis, and I have already explained how much richer I feel for my love of her.
I cannot, and will not, enter into a sham of some future marriage to some woman deemed suitable by all of you to maintain certain ideals.
Queen:
For generations, those ideals have admirably served this family and this CountryCountry. If you cannot understand that, you are certainly not fit to wear the Crown of this great nation. I wash my hands of you, Sir!
King:
Mr. Baldwin, has Bertie been informed of the situation?
Baldwin:
His Royal Highness, the Duke of York, has been fully briefed and prepared to fulfill his duties.
King:
Would that be his constitutional or his brotherly duty?
Baldwin:
At certain times, one has to forgo all other duties to fulfill one’s commitment to one’s Country. The Duke of York’s words, Sir, not mine.
Queen:
Thank God for Bertie. David, choose and choose now. No woman is worth your Crown, the Crown of England, least of all this strumpet!
King:
You are to be congratulated, Mr. Baldwin. You appear to be well prepared; you have gathered powerful allies. I must remember to refrain from playing you at a game of chess.
Baldwin:
Sir, I would much prefer this situation had not arisen. You are my King, you have always had my undying loyalty, but I also have a duty to my CountryCountry. I cannot stand idly by and watch its standards, which lead the world, be eroded by such common passions as these.
There is still time! Give up this woman, Sir, and we can repair the damage together. But carry on, and the damage to your CountryCountry will be
irrevocable.
King:
Mother, Mr. Baldwin, I will not give up Wallis. Bertie shall have my Crown, but I shall have my freedom. Poor Bertie, what price my brotherly duty?
This is my final word on the matter. I would prefer to sign the appropriate papers forthwith, and broadcast to the nation as soon as possible.
Mr. Baldwin, please make the appropriate arrangements.
Baldwin:
I am Sir, your obedient servant.
*******
December 11th, 1936. This is the Duke’s Abdication Speech.
Duke of Windsor:
At long last I am able to say a few words of my own. I have never wanted to withhold anything, but until now it has not been constitutionally possible for me to speak.
A few hours ago, I discharged my last duty as King and Emperor, and now that I have been succeeded by my brother, the Duke of York, my first words must be to declare my allegiance to him. This I do with all my heart.
You all know the reasons which have impelled me to renounce the throne. But I want you to understand that in making up my mind I did not forget the CountryCountry or the empire, which, as Prince of Wales and lately as King, I have for twenty-five years tried to serve.
But you must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.
And I want you to know that the decision I have made has been mine and mine alone. This was a thing I had to judge entirely for myself. The other person most nearly concerned has tried up to the last to persuade me to take a different course.
I have made this, the most serious decision of my life, only upon the single thought of what would, in the end, be best for all.
This decision has been made less difficult to me by the sure knowledge that my brother, with his long training in the public affairs of this CountryCountry and with his fine qualities, will be able to take my place forthwith without interruption or injury to the life and progress of the empire. And he has one matchless blessing, enjoyed by so many of you, and not bestowed on me — a happy home with his wife and children.
During these hard days, I have been comforted by her Majesty my mother and by my family. The ministers of the Crown, and in particular, Mr. Baldwin, the Prime Minister, have always treated me with full consideration. There has never been any constitutional difference between them, and me and between Parliament and me.
Bred in the constitutional tradition by my father, I should never have allowed any such issue to arise. Ever since I was Prince of Wales, and later on when I occupied the throne, I have been treated with the greatest kindness by all classes of the people wherever I have lived or journeyed throughout the empire. For that I am very grateful.
I now quit altogether public affairs and I lay down my burden. It may be some time before I return to my native land, but I shall always follow the fortunes of the British race and empire with profound interest, and if at any time in the future I can be found of service to his Majesty in a private station, I shall not fail.
And now, we all have a new King. I wish him and you, his people, happiness and prosperity with all my heart. God bless you all! God save the King!
