9:30am Friday 16th June 2000
In fact eyebrows are more likely to be raised when they are seen with their lawfully wedded, but in the 30s the public had a very different perception of the monarchy.
And only three years before Hitler's bombshells started dropping, King Edward VIII dropped one of his own: abdicating to marry divorced American socialite Wallace Simpson.
Now the story behind the scandal is being recreated by the Wimbledon based Torch Theatre Company. But the play Crown Matrimonial is more than a retelling of the story of Edward and Mrs Simpson.
Written by Royce Ryton, this powerful play provides a fascinating look at what went on behind the scenes as told by Sir Walter Monckton, a close confidante and legal adviser to the king.
And giving the piece even more authenticity is the fact Sir Walter Monckton's secretary, Jean Wilshire (pictured with cast member Arthur Wyman), Jean Wilshire has made papers and photographs relating to the story available to the Torch Players.
With the Queen Mother approaching 100-years-old and the ongoing Charles and Camilla debate the story of Edward and Wallace is as relevant today as it ever was but the Torch Player need your help. They are looking for any old photographs of the Royal family to use on the set.
If you can ring then contact the group on 020 8543 0997.
Crown Matrimonial opens at the Secombe Theatre, Sutton, on June 27. Details from the box office on 020 8770 76990.
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