On June 4 The Daily Telegraph reported that a Rolls-Royce used by Edward VIII to drive Mrs Simpson in secret was up for sale. In a letter published in The Telegraph on June 8, Alistair Lexden put this aspect of the notorious Royal love affair in historical context:
SIR--Edward VIII was wise to have blinds fitted to his Rolls-Royce when Mrs Simpson came to stay with him at Balmoral in September 1936 (“Royal ghost car that hid Edward VIII’s secret is sold”, report, June 4).
The visit provoked public outrage. The irresponsible monarch was due to open a new hospital in Aberdeen on the day she arrived. The Duke and Duchess of York (later George VI and Queen Elizabeth) were dispatched to the hospital while the King drove to the city’s railway station, wearing goggles, which he thought would provide sufficient disguise.
The Aberdeen press published a picture of his “surprise visit in car” alongside one of the dutiful hospital visitors. “This has done him more harm than anything else and has lost him Scotland”, his private secretary noted. Someone wrote “Down with the American harlot” on an Aberdeen wall. The car blinds were a sensible precaution to shield her from further insult.
Lord Lexden
London SW1