Socialite. Companion to Edward, Prince of Wales. Thelma Morgan Viscountess Furness was the daughter of an American diplomat. Her identical twin sister was Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, the mother of fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt. At the age of 17, Thelma married James Vail Converse, the grandson of the president of American Telephone and Telegraph. The marriage lasted for three years. Her second marriage was to Marmaduke 1st Viscount Furness. The marriage lasted from 1926 to 1933 and produced a son. While still married to the Viscount, Thelma became involved with Edward, the Prince of Wales. She was the prince's constant companion from 1929 until 1934. In 1931, Thelma introduced the prince to her close friend, Wallis Simpson. A few years later, while Thelma was visiting the United States, the Prince fell in love with Mrs. Simpson for whom he would eventually give up his throne to marry. After Thelma's relationship with Edward ended, she was involved for a short time with Prince Aly Khan. In addition to her influential marriages and relationships, Thelma had a brief career in motion pictures. In the early 1920's she produced and starred in a movie called "Aphrodite" and had bit parts in several other films. In 1959 Thelma and her sister, Gloria, penned a memoir called "Double Exposure". Thelma died of a heart attack and is buried with her sister.
Socialite. Companion to Edward, Prince of Wales. Thelma Morgan Viscountess Furness was the daughter of an American diplomat. Her identical twin sister was Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, the mother of fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt. At the age of 17, Thelma married James Vail Converse, the grandson of the president of American Telephone and Telegraph. The marriage lasted for three years. Her second marriage was to Marmaduke 1st Viscount Furness. The marriage lasted from 1926 to 1933 and produced a son. While still married to the Viscount, Thelma became involved with Edward, the Prince of Wales. She was the prince's constant companion from 1929 until 1934. In 1931, Thelma introduced the prince to her close friend, Wallis Simpson. A few years later, while Thelma was visiting the United States, the Prince fell in love with Mrs. Simpson for whom he would eventually give up his throne to marry. After Thelma's relationship with Edward ended, she was involved for a short time with Prince Aly Khan. In addition to her influential marriages and relationships, Thelma had a brief career in motion pictures. In the early 1920's she produced and starred in a movie called "Aphrodite" and had bit parts in several other films. In 1959 Thelma and her sister, Gloria, penned a memoir called "Double Exposure". Thelma died of a heart attack and is buried with her sister.
Bio by: Susan Beyer
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