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Did Any Kings Marry for Love?

Published in Royal History 2 mins read

Yes, despite arranged marriages being common for royalty, some kings throughout history did marry for love.

While strategic alliances and securing heirs were primary considerations in royal marriages for centuries, leading to arranged unions driven by statecraft rather than personal feelings, genuine affection did occasionally play a role.

Here's why it's important to acknowledge instances of love matches:

  • Challenging the Stereotype: It's easy to assume all royal marriages were devoid of emotion, but history offers counterexamples.
  • Humanizing Royalty: Recognizing love-based unions reminds us that kings and queens were also individuals with personal desires.

Examples of royal marriages believed to have been motivated by love:

  • While not a king, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are often cited as a prime example of a royal marriage based on deep affection and mutual respect. Their extensive correspondence reveals a passionate and devoted relationship.
  • King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson: While controversial, Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee, suggesting a deep commitment based on love, though heavily criticized for the ensuing constitutional crisis.

It is also important to acknowledge that historical accounts and interpretations of feelings can be subjective. What appears to be a love match to some may be viewed as simply a beneficial or convenient arrangement by others. However, evidence suggests genuine affection did influence some royal marriages.