I'm currently reading this book which is edited by Duff Hart-Davis. I've come to the point where Tommy is writing about when George V died and 'David' became Edward VIII. The phrase 'History repeating itself' came into my mind. It was this passage that set it going:

My impression is that the Prince of Wales was caught napping by his father's death. He, it seems, expected the old man to last several years more, and he had in all probability already made up his mind to renounce his claim to the throne and marry Mrs S. He said to me on board the Nahlin apropos the projected sale of his Canadian Ranch "You know Tommy I always planned to keep it as a place that I could retire to. I said in response "You mean for a holiday, Sir." He replied "No. I mean for good." The book is fascinating to read.