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Duke of Windsor visits a German mine, 1937
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Duke of Windsor visits a German mine, 1937
The Duke of Windsor(second from right) in miners kit and crash helmet at the Friedrich Heinrich Mine, near Essen, on 15th October 1937. The Duke was investigating social and working conditions in Germany. Date: October 1937
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Media ID 7185141
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Conditions Essen Friedrich Heinrich Mine Mining Viii Windsor 1937
EDITORS COMMENTS
In October 15, 1937, the Duke of Windsor, Edward VIII, made an unexpected visit to the Friedrich Heinrich Mine near Essen, Germany. The Duke, who was known for his keen interest in social and industrial conditions, donned a miner's kit and crash helmet to investigate the working and living conditions of the mine workers. The Duke's visit came during a time when Germany was undergoing rapid industrialization, and the mining industry was a significant contributor to the country's economic growth. However, the working conditions in the mines were notoriously poor, with long hours, low wages, and dangerous working conditions. The Duke's tour of the mine was part of a broader effort to understand the social and economic realities of Germany during the 1930s. He was accompanied by a group of British industrialists and diplomats, who were also interested in the country's industrial development. During his visit, the Duke inspected the mine's facilities, spoke with workers, and observed their working conditions firsthand. He was reportedly shocked by the poor living conditions of the workers and their families, who lived in cramped and unsanitary housing. The Duke also expressed concern about the safety of the mine's workers, who faced the risk of accidents and injuries on a daily basis. The Duke's visit to the Friedrich Heinrich Mine was a significant moment in his reign, highlighting his commitment to social justice and his concern for the welfare of ordinary people. It also underscored the complex relationship between Britain and Germany during the 1930s, as tensions between the two countries began to escalate in the lead-up to World War II. This photograph captures a rare moment in history, with the Duke of Windsor dressed in miner's attire, examining the inner workings of a German mine. It offers a glimpse into the social and industrial conditions of the time, and the efforts of one monarch to understand the realities of life for ordinary people.
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