Wallis Simpson was an American socialite born on June 19, 1896, in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania. She became widely known for her relationship with King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, which led to a constitutional crisis. Simpson was twice divorced, and her status as a divorcee was controversial in the context of the British monarchy. In December 1936, Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Simpson, making her the Duchess of Windsor. Their marriage took place on June 3, 1937, in France. The couple lived in exile for much of their lives, and Wallis Simpson became a prominent figure in royal history.