The King and His England: A Biography of George VI and His Reign

Alfred the Great: The King and His England (Phoenix Books)

by Eleanor Shipley Duckett

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1471 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
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George VI was the King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 1936 until his death in 1952. He was the second son of King George V and Queen Mary, and the younger brother of King Edward VIII. Edward abdicated in 1936, and George ascended to the throne.

George VI's reign was marked by the outbreak of World War II in 1939. He played a key role in rallying the British people during the war, and he became a symbol of national unity. He also visited troops on the front lines and toured bomb-damaged areas.

After the war, George VI oversaw the transition to peacetime and the beginning of the decolonization of the British Empire. He also worked to improve relations with the United States and other countries.

George VI died in 1952 at the age of 56. He was succeeded by his daughter, Elizabeth II.

Early Life and Accession to the Throne

George VI was born Albert Frederick Arthur George on December 14, 1895, at York Cottage on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England. He was the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. His elder brother was Edward, Prince of Wales.

George was a shy and introverted child. He was also plagued by health problems, including a stammer. He was educated at home by private tutors and at the Royal Naval College, Osborne. He later served in the Royal Navy during World War I.

In 1923, George married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. They had two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret.

In 1936, Edward VIII abdicated the throne in order to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. George was next in line to the throne, and he became King George VI on December 11, 1936.

World War II

George VI's reign was marked by the outbreak of World War II in 1939. He played a key role in rallying the British people during the war, and he became a symbol of national unity.

George VI visited troops on the front lines and toured bomb-damaged areas. He also gave speeches to the nation, and he broadcast messages of hope and encouragement.

The war had a profound impact on George VI. He emerged from the war as a more confident and resolute leader.

Post-War Years

After the war, George VI oversaw the transition to peacetime and the beginning of the decolonization of the British Empire.

George VI also worked to improve relations with the United States and other countries. He visited the United States in 1939, and he hosted President Franklin D. Roosevelt at Buckingham Palace in 1941.

George VI died in 1952 at the age of 56. He was succeeded by his daughter, Elizabeth II.

Legacy

George VI is remembered as a wise and compassionate king who led his country through a time of great challenge. He was a symbol of national unity during World War II, and he oversaw the transition to peacetime and the beginning of the decolonization of the British Empire.

George VI is also remembered for his personal qualities. He was a devoted husband and father, and he had a strong sense of duty. He was also a kind and generous man who was loved by the British people.

Alfred the Great: The King and His England (Phoenix Books)

by Eleanor Shipley Duckett

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1471 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE