CHAIN REACTION

Today, December 10, in 1936 was the date on which King Edward VIII signed the Instrument of Abdication, giving up the British throne to marry Mrs. Wallis Simpson. Thus began a chain of events which led to the fanfare accompanying last week's announcement that Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge are expecting a child - a child who might, if the monarchy survives (and no further hitches emerge to cause a different chain of events), inherit accession to the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

Had Mrs. Wallis Simpson proved less attractive to Edward, or had their paths never crossed - think life in another dimension - history could have taken many, many different turns. Diana might still be around - perhaps not as Princess Di, but out there happily raising a gaggle of kids in more than comfortable circumstances, somewhere in the Home Counties. Princess Margaret, not as sister to the heir to the throne, might have led a very different, happier and more serene lifestyle. Perhaps even King George VI, without the stress of being monarch of all he surveyed during a terrible World War, would not have died so young.

Domino effect, causal nexus......chain reaction. It's a funny ol' life!

Cue the song: