HM King Edward VIII


When he was Prince of Wales, Edward joined the Grenadier Guards in Aug 1914 to serve in World War One, and reached the rank of Captain in 1916. He was appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the 5 regiments of Foot Guards when he acceded to the throne on 21 Jan 1936.' He famously abdicated on 10 Dec 1936 so only attended one Trooping the Colour.' He is seen here in the uniform of the Grenadier Guards on 16 July 1936 after a parade in Hyde Park where he presented Colours to the Guards regiments.' On the way back a man in the crowd, called McMahon, tried to fire a pistol at the King but was prevented, and arrested. 'The report under the sub-heading 'Unperturbed He Goes On His Way' reads:

'His Majesty, completely unperturbed by this alarming incident during his return from the Presentation of Colours to the Guards, seen in discussion with Major-General B N Sergison-Brooke, commanding the Brigade of Guards, immediately after the revolver had fallen in the carriage-way.'


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by Stephen Luscombe