The King and Queen’s September state visit to France has been confirmed. But there is a growing rumour they may visit Villa Windsor, the Parisian home of the late King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson.
Villa Windsor is located in Bois de Boulogne (Image: GETTY)
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will embark on a state visit to France from September 20 to September 23, 2023.
Although the specifics of the state visit programme have not yet been finalised, they have confirmed they will visit Paris and Bordeaux.
The royal tour was originally due to happen in March but it was cancelled because of the vast protests that were occurring throughout France.
The overseas tour was meant to be the King and Queen’s first overseas state visit, but Germany became the historic first destination for the couple instead.
A visit to Villa Windsor, an estate in Bois de Boulogne where King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson lived, is one of the possibilities on the table for Charles and Camilla.
Queen Elizabeth visiting Villa Windsor on a state visit in 1972 (Image: GETTY)
This is because the historic royal home will soon become a visitor attraction, where royal fans can learn about the former King who abdicated the throne to marry the Duchess of Windsor.
According to reports, Charles and Camilla have been invited to visit the home during their state visit.
However, it has not been confirmed whether or not they will visit the controversial former royal home.
Royal expert Hugo Vickers does not think it is a good idea, telling The Daily Mail: “There are many reasons for you or me visiting the house, but none for the King.
Wallis and Edward lived in Villa Windsor after the abdication (Image: GETTY)
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“I have no doubt that his Private Secretary will decline with a polite message about the King’s packed itinerary when the visit commences on September 20.
“The house has a number of uncomfortable echoes, after all.”
A property expert spoke to Express.co.uk about the interiors at Villa Windsor and how Wallis and Edward decorated their home.
Joan Gair from Housetastic said: “In terms of the interior design, Wallis and Edward’s home was very much of an aristocratic style. One that you’d expect of someone brought up with a royal lifestyle.
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Villa Windsor had gorgeous interiors (Image: GETTY)
“Their home was filled with luxurious and beautiful furnishings, with plenty of gold highlights and extravagant-looking materials, to make it feel regal and palatial.
“In fact, their rich colour palette and ornate furniture wouldn’t have looked out of place in any royal palace.”
Ms Gair added: “The overall theme to Wallis and Edward’s lavish interiors was a fine mix of classic French and English, stealing from Baroque and Georgian styles. So, it looked very theatrical and overstated.
“They decked their interiors with showy pieces of furniture and ornaments including porcelain vases and gold candlesticks, to make the whole villa scream wealth and status.”
