Consists of:
- letter concerning commission to write articles dealing with Duke of Windsor's proposed marriage (1936)
- correspondence with Herman Rogers concerning release date of article about Wallis Simpson and photographs of Wallis Simpson, and about arranging an interview with Duke of Windsor regarding preparation for book about constitutional aspects of the change in succession
- correspondence concerning distribution of article in press, publicity by 'Star' and subsequent withdrawal of article
- correspondence concerning payment from 'Star' regarding Duchess of Windsor facts incorporated in articles with related legal opinion
- typescript 'Wallis Warfield Simpson - the real woman' by Helena Normanton (two copies with manuscript notes)
- typescript 'Statement re Duchess of Windsor by Mrs Helena Normanton'
- photocopy from 'The story of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor' by Ralph G Martin
Transcripts of letters from Wallis Simpson
17 Apr 1937 Wallis Simpson to Helena Normanton
I have [read] this article through and am very pleased with it - therefore I hope no alteration will [be] made.Wallis Simpson
Explanatory note by Helena Normanton: Written in Mrs Simpson's own handwriting hurriedly just as I was leaving the Chateau de Cande to catch the Paris train on April 17th 1937 and was given to me herself.
9 Aug 1937 Wallis Windsor to Helena Normanton
Written from Schloss Wassesrleonburg
Dear Mrs Normanton
Thank you so much for your letter of July thirteenth, which I regret not having been able to answer before.You will no doubt have noticed that proceedings have been taken in regard to 'Coronation Commentary', and the Duke has been advised that, while these proceedings are pending, he should not comment upon, nor authorise comments upon statements contained in that book. The book covers so wide a field, that I am afraid that at the present, I am unable to write anything useful in answer to your letter. I was delighted to have the post-card of the church at Warfield, which I understand from the Vicar who has just written, is in need of money. I hope Mr Normanton has made a quick recovery from his operation. Wishing you every possible success I am yours sincerely, Wallis Windsor.
29 Aug Sunday [1937] Wallis Windsor to Helena Normanton
Written from Schloss Wasserleonburg
Dear Mrs Normanton
Thank you so much for your letters you must be very busy preparing your book which we hope will be a success. We have already started to pack as we leave here in about a week - so I am afraid it wouldn't be a very satisfactory time for you to come to Austria.We expect to be in Paris in the Autumn and should you be making one of your numerous trips to France I should be happy to show you a chart of the Montague family which has been sent to me - we are to be found at the Hotel Meurice.Yours sincerely Wallis Windsor
Envelope postmarked Salzburg 31.9.37 present.
8 Oct 1937 Wallis Windsor to Helena Normanton
Written from Hotel Meurice, Paris
Dear Mrs Normanton
I really am so very sorry that your letter from Harrogate should not have arrived in time for me to arrange a meeting with you, and I hope that Mr Forwood was able to explain to you how sorry I was, and that it really was impossible to arrange a time. I have given him the chart to send you, and I hope that this will in some compensate you for the long journey you have undertaken, and which my engagements have nearly made fruitless. I should sometime so like to see the map of which you speak, when your book is published and the publishers do not require it any more. Mr Forwood also spoke to me regarding the particular photograph which I would like published I think that any of the Cecil Beaton ones would meet the requirements. Again my apologies that you should have had this journey to France.Yours sincerely Wallis Windsor
14 Wednesday [1937] Wallis Simpson to Helena Normanton
Written from Chateau de Cande on two postcards.
Dear Mrs Normanton
I did so enjoy your too short visit to Cande - as usual I thought of all the things I wanted to say after you had gone. I am enclosing you some data which someone sent me from America today. Perhaps it will be of some use for your book - which I pray will have a speedy appearance as the unkind and inaccurate pens seem very busy. Will you be so kind as to return my little histories to me when you have finished with them.Yours sincerely Wallis Simpson.
Press cuttings. Articles by Helena Normanton:
- 'Mrs Warfield denies rumors on gems, trouseau, aid to Nazis', New York Times dated 31 May 1937
- 'Intrigue is denied by Mrs Warfield', New York Times dated 1 Jun 1937
- press cuttings concerning Normanton's forthcoming book 'The succession changed'