The Crown: Why did King Edward call Queen Elizabeth ‘Shirley Temple’?
THE CROWN reveals King Edward’s “nasty little nicknames” for Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family, but why did he call her Shirley Temple?
Edward nicknamed Queen Elizabeth 'Shirley Temple'
The new Netflix series charts the Queen’s early reign and explores the inner workings of the Royals.
It shows how the family outcast King Edward VIII after he abdicated the throne to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson.
When he returns to England for King George VI’s funeral, Edward – now the Duke of Windsor – is met with a frosty reception.
After a fraught conversation with his mother Queen Mary, it is revealed that Edward and his wife have dreamed up cruel nicknames for his estranged family.
The Queen Mother is dubbed Cookie because “she’s fat, common, and looks like a cook”.
Queen Elizabeth is referred to as Shirley Temple on account of her “dumpy” frame and curly hair, which looked similar to the child star’s.
New Netflix drama 'The Crown' chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II
The show’s writer Peter Morgan drew inspiration for the scenes from letters that the Edward wrote to Wallis, which were published in 1988.
As well as the nicknames he also referred to the Royals as “a seedy, worn out bunch of old hags” over a row about his personal allowance.
As depicted in The Crown Queen Mary tried to stop his £10,000 per month allowance after George’s death, arguing that the money was a personal gift from the King.
Edward and Wallis are shown to be outcasts on The Crown
Elizabeth became Queen only because of Edward's abdication
The Duke wrote: “It's hell to be even this much dependent on these ice-veined b***hes, important for WE [Wallis and Edward] as it is."
The correspondence also revealed that the couple called Winston Churchill “Cry Baby”, presumably for his temper.