“I have found it impossible to carry out the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.” Edward’s brother becomes King George VI. George’s daughter becomes Queen Elizabeth II more than 15 years later and remains on the throne to this day.

1941World War II widens even further as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy declare war on the United States. America in turn declares war on Japan’s Axis partners just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

1946Birth of UNICEF, the UN agency devoted to helping the world’s children, especially in developing countries.

And 1980Magnum, P.I., starring Tom Selleck as a private eye in Hawaii premieres on TV on CBS.

Today in History, December 11, Ed Donahue, the Associated Press.