Letter opener in yellow gold, engraved "ER" surmounted by a crown. The upper part represents a stylized flower, in mother of pearl, blue and pink sapphires. Signed Cartier London. with box. (37,4 grs) 4386. Edward VIII (1894-1972) was king of the United Kingdom from 20 January 1936 to 11 december 1936. We was the son of King George V and Queen Mary. The brother of George VI (who became King the 11 december 1936 until his death in 1952). And the uncle of Queen Elizabeth II. Edward VIII became king on his father's death in 1936, a few month late, he revealed his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an american socialite who was divorced twice. Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin advised Edward that for political and religious reasons he couldn’t marry a divorced woman and remain king. Edward choose love rather than power, and he abdicated the 11 December 1936. After his abdication, he was created Duke of Windsor. He married Wallis Simpson in France on 3 June 1937. All the History surrounding this letter opener makes it the perfect gift for a special person.