Edward VIII was born at White Lodge, Richmond Park in London, as the eldest child of the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George V and Queen Mary.

Following Queen Victoria's death, Edward and his siblings stayed in Britain with their grandparents, Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII, while their parents traveled the British Empire.

Edward began his education at the Royal Naval College, Osborne, after being tutored at home by Helen Bricka and Hansell.