Mrs Joan Sutherland , against whom a writ claiming damages for alleged slander has been issued by Mr Ernest Simpson , left her London home for the North . Mrs Sutherland is the wife of Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Sutherland OBE , MC , of Upper Brook Street . The action is based on the words of Mrs Sutherland alleged to have been uttered at a West End restaurant concerning divorce proceeding which were instituted by Mr Simpson  wife , now fianc嶪 of the Duke of Windsor . Photo shows : Mrs Joan Sutherland (in front , right) leaving her home in London for the North , followed by her sister in law , Miss Diana Sutherland , youngest daughter of Sir George Sutherland . 14 January 1937