Edward VIII – the Royal Cypher that never was
Edward VIII is one of only two uncrowned Kings of England. He acceded to the throne in 1936 on the death of his father and new designs for his Royal Cypher were issued in that year. Postal vehicles, stamps and letter boxes were all produced in his name, but on 10 December, he abdicated in order to marry Wallis Simpson. 171 letter boxes with the Edward VIII cipher were created.
With a reign of just 326 days, Edward was one of the shortest-reigning monarchs in British history. The shortest-reigning monarch is Lady Jane Grey who ruled for just 9 days from 6 July until 15 July 1553.
