Prince Edward and Princess Michael Of Kent are among those who have given tips to director Madonna who wants her film W.E to be hot on accurate detail. The Queen of Pop has also had audiences with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Buckingham Palace staff and top historians in her quest to piece together the story of the affair which led to the abdication crisis of 1936.

The romantic drama starring James D'Arcy and actress Andrea Risenborough focuses on how Edward gave up the throne to marry Mrs Simpson - who was still wed to her second husband when they met - plus a modern-day romance between a married woman and a Russian security guard.