Later Life and Legacy (1937–1986)
Following their marriage, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor lived in exile, primarily in France. Although they maintained a luxurious lifestyle, their social standing remained precarious.
The British royal family kept them at arm’s length, and Wallis never fully escaped the perception that she had been the cause of a constitutional crisis.
During World War II, the couple's movements were scrutinized, particularly due to Edward’s alleged sympathies toward Nazi Germany. In 1940, they were sent to the Bahamas, where Edward served as governor. Wallis despised the assignment, feeling isolated and relegated to a life far from the grandeur she had once imagined. Despite the controversy, the couple remained devoted to each other, relying on their shared experiences to navigate their exile.
After the war, they returned to France, where they settled into a life of high society, attending galas, traveling, and socializing with Europe’s elite. Wallis remained a fashion icon, known for her exquisite wardrobe and impeccable style. Though she and Edward occasionally visited England, they were never fully welcomed back into royal life.
When Edward died in 1972, Wallis was left alone, her health gradually declining. She spent her final years in relative seclusion, suffering from dementia. She passed away on April 24, 1986, and was buried beside Edward at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, near Windsor Castle—a final, albeit muted, acknowledgment of her place in royal history.