Author: Melanie Benjamin
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Dell
Book Release Date: June 2, 2026
Pages: 370
Source: Publisher/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: A scandalous affair. A power struggle for the throne. A sensational rivalry between an English queen and an American social climber. In this electrifying novel, the New York Times bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue tells the story of the Abdication of Edward VIII—and the two women at the center of it all.
Feuding Windsor brothers and their wives—some things, it seems, never change. The Windsor Affair recreates the cataclysmic events that nearly toppled the monarchy and incited the power struggle between Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Wallis Simpson. Told from the perspective of both women, the novel propels readers into the fabulous world of the debonair Prince of Wales, café society of the 1930s, and the glittering private lives of the Windsors. The first novel to be dedicated to this infamous rivalry, The Windsor Affair brings us all the gossip and intrigue between the two very different—yet perhaps more similar than they would admit—wives of royals.
As Queen, Elizabeth would become the symbol of British pluck and courage during World War II and remain a British institution the rest of her long life. Wallis would be forever forced to enact the World’s Greatest Love Story even after it sours, as she goes from being admired to vilified and, ultimately, pitied. Against the backdrop of the Abdication Crisis, World War II, coronations, funerals, births, and deaths, these two women maintain a biting, sharp-tongued feud—until age and the long arm of history bring about a kind of understanding. For the last communication between these bitter rivals was a simple, surprising message: “In friendship, Elizabeth.”
My Review: The Windsor Affair tells of the rivalry between Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the Queen Mother. Before she became Queen, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was the Duchess of York. She had a great friendship with Edward, the Prince of Wales. However, Elizabeth strongly dislikes Prince Edward’s mistress, Wallis Simpson who was an American and a divorcee. When Edward becomes King, he decides to abdicate his throne so he could marry Wallis. This event forces Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon to become queen.
I have read a couple biographies of Wallis Simpson and a biography of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. They both strongly disliked each other for decades. Wallis Simpson wanted to become the Queen of England. However, Parliament disapproved of her being Queen. Prince Edward had to choose the throne or a woman. However, Wallis did not want Edward to abdicate. Her greatest wish and regret was for Prince Edward to remain on the throne. Her rival, Queen Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, never wanted to be Queen. She blamed Wallis Simpson for making her Queen and believed that her husband’s early death was because of Wallis Simpson. Throughout the span of many decades, both Wallis and Elizabeth strongly disliked each other, and did not make amends until the very end.
Overall, this book is about marriage, ambition, and rivalry. I found all of the characters to be very well-written and seem true to their historical counterparts. Sometimes, Elizabeth and Wallis could be dislikable at times. However, I thought their royal feud was interesting. I also like how this book focuses on the scandal of the royal family! I thought the writing style was very engaging and easy to read! It was also meticulously researched! It was also very fast-paced and juicy read! There was enough gossip and glitz and glamour to keep me turning the pages! The Windsor Affair is perfect for fans of royalty! I recommend this book for fans of The Queen’s Secret, The Shadow Queen, and The Duchess!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Can't wait to read this one—love Melanie Benjamin!
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