1952 Press Photo Sir Anthony Eden & wife, Clarissa Spencer-Churchill - mja96796

The strong stand against divorce by the Church of England, which resulted in the abdication of Edward Viii and also the apparent breakup of the romance between Princess Margaret and Wing Commander Peter Townsend, has stirred a sensational newspaper debate here over whether Queen Elizabeth could appoint Anthony Eden as Prime Minister. Eden, 57, who divorced his first wife, Beatrice, in 1950 after 27 years of marriage, wed Clarissa Spencer-Churchill, niece of Winston Churchill, in 1952 (bottom). Now, with Churchill rapidly approaching 80 and retirement, the controversy centers on whether the Queen, as Titular head of the Church, might not abide by Church policy and pass over Eden, the perennial heir apparent, when Sir Winston steps down.

Photo is dated 1952.

Photo measures 7 x 9.25 inches.