This episode is the last in my three-part series on Elizabeth Woodville. It's been a lot of fun to write about for the last month or so, and while I know of some of you care little for order, I would strongly recommend that you go back and listen to the previous two shows before diving into this one. Remember, if you have any comments on anything covered in the show or a question that you'd like me to answer, then be sure to get in touch, and I'll be sure to do my best to answer it.

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Hello and welcome to the Queens of England podcast.

Episode 32, Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Mother, Twice Over.

Edward VIII died relatively young, aged 42 on the 9th of April, 1483.

Traditionally, the cause of death is said to have been overindulgence. Too much wine, too much food,

too much sex. This seems a rather moralistic view, especially given the more austere lives

live by his two successes, but it's the best explanation we have.

He lay in state at St Stephen's Chapel in the Palace of Westminster,

before a funeral took place at Westminster Abbey a week later,

before being taken to Windsor, where he was buried.

We have a few accounts of the funeral itself,

but I shall not read them to you for the simple fact that Elizabeth

has barely mentioned. She would have been there, the protocol allowed for a very limited role

for the grieving widow. Given that, Edward had little time to get his affairs in order before he

died, he put in place a plan for the succession. Unfortunately, his will does not survive, but we do know that he naturally

named his son as his successor, and his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as Lord Protector.

...