George VI

George VI, born Albert Frederick Arthur George on 14 December 1895, was the King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 1936 until 1952. He was the last Emperor of India until 1947, when India became independent. He later became the first Head of the Commonwealth in 1949.

As the second son of King George V, Albert was not expected to become king. He served in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force during the First World War and married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923. He had a speech problem called a stutter and worked hard to improve it.

When his brother Edward VIII became king in 1936, he decided to leave the throne that same year. Albert then became king and took the name George VI. During the Second World War, which began in 1939 when Britain declared war on Nazi Germany, George VI inspired courage in the British people. Even when Buckingham Palace was bombed, he stayed with his people. After the war, many parts of the British Empire became independent, including India in 1947. George VI died in 1952 at the age of 56 and was succeeded by his daughter, Elizabeth II.

Early life

Albert was born early in the morning on 14 December 1895 at York Cottage on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. His great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, was ruling the country at the time. His father was Prince George, Duke of York, who later became King George V. His mother was the Duchess of York, who later became Queen Mary.

Albert was named "Albert Frederick Arthur George" but was called "Bertie" by his family. He was fourth in line to the throne when he was born. Albert often got sick and was known to be nervous. He also had a stutter that lasted many years. Even though he was naturally left-handed, he was taught to write with his right hand. After Queen Victoria died in 1901, Albert's father became next in line to be king.

Military career and education

Prince Albert, later known as George VI, began his military training in 1909 at the Royal Naval College, Osborne as a naval cadet. He moved to the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in 1911, even though he was at the bottom of his class. When his grandfather Edward VII died in 1910, his father became King George V, and Albert became second in line to the throne.

Albert served on ships, including time in the West Indies and Canada, and later in the Mediterranean. He was recognized for his efforts during the Battle of Jutland in World War I. After the war, he joined the Royal Air Force and became a qualified pilot, the first in the British royal family to do so. In 1919, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He took on many public duties and was known for helping boys from different backgrounds through summer camps.

Marriage

See also: Wedding of Prince Albert and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon

Albert met Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and wanted to marry her. She said no at first but then agreed. They married on 26 April 1923 at Westminster Abbey. This was special because Albert was marrying someone who was not a royal.

The couple traveled to Kenya, Uganda, and the Sudan. They also worked with a speech therapist to help Albert speak better in public. They had two children, Elizabeth (called "Lilibet") and Margaret.

Reign

Reluctant king

Main article: Abdication of Edward VIII

King George V worried about his eldest son, Edward. When George V died in 1936, Edward became king. But Edward wanted to marry a woman who had been divorced twice, and this caused problems. Edward decided to give up his position as king, and Albert, known as "Bertie" to his family, became king instead, even though he wasn't sure he wanted the job.

Early reign

Albert chose the name George VI to honor his father and give people confidence. His first actions as king included giving his brother Edward a new title, the Duke of Windsor. George also had to buy back some royal homes from Edward. Shortly after becoming king, George honored his wife by giving her a special award.

George VI was crowned king in 1937. Later, he and his wife visited France and North America. These trips were important because there were worries about a big war happening in Europe.

Second World War

When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Britain and its friends declared war. King George and Queen Elizabeth decided to stay in London even when bombs were falling. They wanted to show they were just like everyone else, facing the same dangers. They shared their experiences with the people, which helped keep everyone's spirits up.

In 1940, Winston Churchill became the prime minister. King George and Churchill became close friends and met often to discuss the war. The king and queen visited many places to boost morale, including factories and military bases. Their strong presence helped the country feel united during a very difficult time.

Empire to Commonwealth

During George VI's time as king, the British Empire began to change into what is now known as the Commonwealth. Countries that were once part of the empire became independent. In 1949, George was named the Head of the Commonwealth, a role that continues today. He worked to support these changes and the friendships between nations.

Illness and death

Main article: Death and state funeral of George VI

King George VI had many health problems because he smoked a lot. He had issues with his lungs and blood flow. In 1949, he needed surgery on his leg.

In 1951, George had part of his left lung removed. Even after this, he tried to keep doing his duties. In early 1952, he traveled to see his daughter Elizabeth and her husband leave for a trip. A few days later, he passed away in his sleep at the age of 56. His daughter returned to Britain and became Queen Elizabeth II.

His funeral was held at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, where he was later buried with other family members.

Legacy

See also: Cultural depictions of George VI

George VI became king when people did not trust the monarchy much. He worked hard to earn their respect again. During a big war, his honesty and bravery helped make the monarchy popular once more.

He helped create awards to honor brave people. One award was given to the island of Malta for their courage. Later, France honored him for his important role in history. A movie about his life, The King's Speech, earned an actor an award.

Titles, honours and arms

Main article: List of titles and honours of George VI

When Albert was called the Duke of York, he used a special version of the royal arms of the United Kingdom. This version had three points with an anchor in the middle. His father, George V, used the same design when he was Duke of York. When Albert became king, he used the regular royal arms without any changes.

Issue

Ancestry

See also: Descendants of Christian IX of Denmark, Descendants of Queen Victoria, and Royal descendants of Queen Victoria and of King Christian IX