Duke of Windsor’s Will to Be Unsealed for ‘The Crown’

Netflix biographical drama The Crown is so committed to getting its history correct that a senior family court judge has ruled that the Duke of Windsor’s will, which has been sealed under copyright since 1972, can be looked at by a royal archivist in order to aid in production of the show.

The Duke of Windsor was known as King Edward VIII until he shockingly abdicated the throne in December 1936 to marry American socialite and divorcee Wallis Simpson. The Crown begins 11 years after Edward’s abdication, and while it mainly follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II, researchers for the show want access to the Duke’s letters in order for actor Alex Jennings to accurately portray him on screen.

Oliver Irvine, assistant keeper of the Queen’s archives, wrote an application to Sir James Munby, president of the Family Division of the High Court, on October 13 requesting access to the letters on behalf of The Crown‘s writers:

‘We have previously been approached by researchers seeking permission to publish letters by the Duke of Windsor but have been unable to advise whether copyright is held by Her Majesty The Queen.

‘With a copy of the will and codicil, we will be able to determine the identity of his residual beneficiary and begin the process of identifying the current copyright holder.’

On Wednesday, Sir James, who is the most senior family court judge in England and Wales, determined that the disclosure of the documents was “quite plainly” justified given the circumstances:

‘Mr Irvine identifies two reasons in justification of the application,’ the judge said.

‘First, the desire of the Queen’s Archives to fill a gap in its holdings. Second, the practical need for the Queen’s Archives to identify those who currently hold the copyright in literary works created by the Duke of Windsor.

‘Each of these two reasons is compelling. Either alone would, in my judgment, quite plainly justify the disclosure which is sought.

No Peeking

While the will will be opened, its contents will not be made available to the public. Irvine will be the only one allowed to study the documents, which he will then report on to The Crown‘s writers. Afterward, the letters will be resealed “in line with recent practice regarding the wills of members of the Royal Family.”

Nevertheless, this is an exciting development for fans of The Crown and anyone interested in royal history.

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