Line of succession

[LordyGeordie]

If Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson had a son after he abdicated, would it have become king on the death of George VI, or would the title still have passed to Elizabeth?

[kempie]

No, when Edward VIII abdicated he removed himself and 'his heirs' from the line of succession.

[Peter Pedant]

a minor point is that some people say that a king cannot abdicate

whcih i do not think is valid. I think a king can.

So it was kinda lucky that they didnt have any

[kempie]

It's a bit late, after nearly 70 years, for those 'people' to say such a thing, don't you think?

A Royal Abdication can only be effected by an Act of Parliament. To give legal effect to the abdication His Majesty's Declaration of Abdication Act 1936 was passed and on receiving the Royal Assent from Edward, he legally ceased to be King.

[jno]

there's often talk of QE2 abdicating in favour of Charles, or even William (though she takes the dutiful view that it's not a job you can abdicate from). So I think Edward could have passed on the throne to his son if he'd had one; you don't have to disinherit your rightful heirs even if you don't fancy the job yourself.

[kempie]

It was part of the Abdication Act that Edward VIII and his descendants, if any, were not to have any "right, title or interest in or to the succession to the Throne."  So no, they couldn't become Monarch.