Madonna has apparently become very intrigued by the story of Wallis Simpson, an American woman whose relationship with future King Edward VIII caused much controversy, and plans on making a film about her story.

When Edward, the Prince of Wales, met Wallis Simpson in what is believed to be 1933, she soon became his mistress.

Already having been divorced twice by that time and having a general reputation as an opportunist, Wallis' relationship with Edward was, needless to say, not received well by the royal family, but the potential king refused to abandon her, eventually proclaiming on a radio broadcast that he had "found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility as King without the help and support of the woman I love".

Subsequent to his insistence to continue his relationship with commoner Wallis, Edward was abdicated from his position as future King and made Duke of Windsor by his brother George VI. Edward and Wallis were married six months later, after which she was formally known as the Duchess of Windsor, but without the style 'Her Royal Highness'.

"Madonna sees Wallis Simpson as her next big film project," a friend of Madonna told The Sun about the singer’s new infatuation.

"She is as passionate about it as she was about playing Eva Peron in Evita.

"Madonna said she is fascinated about this American commoner who refused to conform or offer explanations for her tangled love life.

"It was all systems go until the divorce, when everything was put on the back-burner.

"When things in her life settle down this year, she’s keen to get things going again."