Media & The Duchess

Wallis, Duchess of Windsor, her marriage to Edward VIII, and relationship within the Royal family, have been portrayed in numerous films and TV shows. This is not a comprehensive list, but a selection where the character of Wallis plays a central or pivotal role. Each depiction is a dramatization, blending fact with creative interpretation.

  • ★★★★★ 

    Netflix’s The Crown portrays Wallis Simpson as a glamorous yet bitter exile, resenting the royal family while maintaining influence over Edward. The show balances sympathy for her struggles with scrutiny of her alleged Nazi ties, making her a complex, controversial figure.

  • ★★★

    W.E., directed by Madonna, is a visually stunning but emotionally uneven take on Wallis Simpson’s life, weaving past and present in a way that sometimes feels more style than substance. While the costumes and cinematography are breathtaking, the film struggles to fully capture the complexity of Wallis and Edward’s controversial love story.

  • ★★★★

    In The King’s Speech (2010), Wallis Simpson is a background figure, yet pivotal as the catalyst for Edward VIII’s abdication. Though briefly seen, her influence shapes the monarchy’s fate and George VI’s struggles.

  • ★★★★

    Wallis & Edward (2005) offers a sympathetic take on Wallis Simpson, reframing her as a woman trapped by love rather than ambition. While visually elegant, the film's historical liberties may divide viewers.