Yesterday, October 11, it was reported that Madonna asked the British royal family for input and advice on her new movie, "W.E." The movie tells the dual tale of a modern romance set against the Wallis Simpson-King Edward VIII romance and abdiction. Among those who stepped in to help was Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
Madonna consults with royal family to gauge historical accuracy of W.E. movie
Madonna spoke with several members of the royal family, including Prince Edward, Princess Michael of Kent and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. She has also met with Buckingham Palace staff and historians as part of background research for the movie.
The "W.E." movie is due out in 2011. Unlike the Duchess of York's "The Young Victoria," Madonna has said that it is less a historical biography about the famous romance than a modern-day romance that uses the historic characters as a "spirit guide." British newspapers are reporting, however, that the film does tell both stories, side-by-side.
Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII "W.E." movie due out in 2011, directed by Madonna
"W.E." is Madonna's second movie as a director, filmed in the United Kingdom and France. James D'Arcy will play Edward VIII, while Andrea Riseborough plays Wallis Simpson, American divorcee who was still married when she met the king. In 1936, they created a scandal when the King abdicated to marry, leaving the throne to his brother, George VI, which in turn brought Queen Elizabeth to the throne.
Lavish gifts that the couple gave to one another during their romance are to be auctioned on November 30 and were recently displayed by Sotheby's auction house.
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