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Edward VIII Abdication speech 11 December 1936
On 11 December 1936 the former King Edward VIII spoke to a stunned nation and announced that he had abdicated the throne in favour of his brother, so as to be free to marry the woman he loved - Mrs Wallis Simpson. The historic broadcast and climax of the constitutional crisis was heard by the whole country, most of whom had been unaware of the royal love affair only a week earlier.
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Fascinating Fact: Which famous Shakespearean characters adorn the front of BBC Broadcasting House in London?
Ariel and Prospero, from Shakespeare's last play The Tempest. The statue is by Eric Gill, and was very controversial in its day because Ariel (the boy) was naked. Rumour has it that Lord Reith, the first Director-General of the BBC, demanded that Gill reduce the size of Ariel's penis - so the statue would be less offensive.
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Ariel and Prospero, from Shakespeare's last play The Tempest. The statue is by Eric Gill, and was very controversial in its day because Ariel (the boy) was naked. Rumour has it that Lord Reith, the first Director-General of the BBC, demanded that Gill reduce the size of Ariel's penis - so the statue would be less offensive.
Complete our new quiz and download an exclusive screensaver!
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