Past Loves, Casual Photos, a Weekend Home and VERY Naughty Jokes

July of 1918 showed us so much more of who Prince Edward and Freda really were...

In July of 1918, Edward revealed so much more of himself, and we see his relationship with Freda progress, much like any ordinary relationship would. They swap inappropriate and funny jokes (which will be included later on), they talk of their feelings for one another, they discuss a past romance of Edward’s (who my next post will be focused on) and after much back and forth, Edward does in fact get to come home for a few days.

One of the most incredible things about this book is all of the unseen photos of Edward that he shared with Freda. They show him in a light that we can surmise he would have liked to be seen in, rather than an official light that he would be expected to be seen in. After all, these photos sent back and forth are part of Edward essentially courting and trying to impress Freda. As time moves on, the photos become more and more casual, and at one point, Freda actually asks for photos of Edward with his shirt slightly undone….could anything be more risqué while writing to a prince? This request also shows that the couple is becoming more and more comfortable with one another, and in it, we are a rare display of Freda’s desire and not just Edward’s childish flattery. Also suggesting a deeper sense of intimacy for the couple is the exchange of rather naughty jokes back and forth. I love seeing this ongoing exchange between them because I think it shows: 1. Their own senses of humor, and 2. Their humanity.

“And I’ve got another worse little joke for you from Paris for you, darling, only don’t be shocked, but I couldn’t be shy with you & would tell you anything:-