King Edward VIII's romantic relationship with American socialite Wallis Simpson led to a constitutional crisis in 1936. The issue centered on Simpson's status as a twice-divorced woman, which conflicted with Edward's role as head of the Church of England. Faced with choosing between the throne and marriage, Edward abdicated after just 326 days as king.

His younger brother, Albert, became King George VI - a modest but principled leader who proved crucial during World War II. Together with Winston Churchill, George VI helped unite the Commonwealth against Nazi Germany and set an inspiring example by remaining in London during the Blitz.

Recently uncovered evidence reveals Edward VIII was a Nazi sympathizer. After his abdication, he and Wallis visited Germany in 1937, exchanging Nazi salutes with officials and meeting privately with Hitler. Nazi documents show Hitler planned to potentially reinstall Edward as a puppet monarch if Germany conquered Britain (Operation Willi).

The implications of Edward remaining king during WWII could have been catastrophic. Hitler himself stated through Edward "permanent friendly relations could have been achieved." A Nazi-sympathizing monarch might have pushed Britain toward appeasement or neutrality, making the D-Day invasion impossible and potentially changing the war's outcome.

Instead, George VI's steady leadership helped strengthen crucial Anglo-American relations. His 1939 visit to the United States - the first by a reigning British monarch - helped cement the alliance that would prove vital to defeating Nazi Germany.

The abdication crisis, while scandalous at the time, may have inadvertently helped save Britain and the world from Hitler's ambitions by putting the right leader on the throne at a pivotal moment in history.

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