At the time of
her husband's death in 1972, Wallis was suffering from mental confusion due to
arteriosclerosis. She became increasingly frail and eventually suffered from
dementia, living the final years of her life as a recluse, supported by both her husband's estate and an allowance from
Queen Elizabeth II. She suffered several falls and broke her hip twice. She also suffered a series of
strokes. By 1980, her speech had become fully impaired and she lost her ability to speak. A severe case of
arthritis resulted in her fingers becoming so malformed that they could no longer hold her wedding ring. Wallis died on April 24, 1986, at
4 route du Champ d'Entraînement in Paris, about two months short of her 90th birthday. Commenting on her final years and suffering, her friend
Diana, Lady Mosley said "It wasn't really a life at all. I'm delighted to hear she has died. I wish she'd died many years ago." Flags flew at
half-mast on government buildings and floral tributes were sent from around the world. A period of mourning was observed from April 25 to April 29, the day of her funeral. ==Funeral and burial==