As we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, it’s worth remembering that this was sadly brought about by the death of her father, King George VI on 6th February 1952. Remembered for ruling through the Second World War, George only reigned for 16 years, but in those years, he became one of the more notable monarchs in modern British history.
King George VI, previously known as Prince Albert, Duke of York, could not have foreseen he would become our monarch but the shock abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII, meant that ‘Bertie’ was forced to assume the role on 11th December 1936. From his poor health, to the almighty perils he faced during the War, there was certainly more to George VI than his notorious stammer.
We’re taking a look at six facts that you may not know…
1. Albert. Bertie.
At his birth, the man who would become “King George VI” was christened ‘Albert Frederick Arthur George’. The name wasn’t well-received by everyone though. His maternal grandmother, the Duchess of Teck, seemed to predict the future when she hoped that his last name “may supplant the less favoured one.” Among his close friends and family, he was known as ‘Bertie’.
2. A King Named George.
Just as he was born fourth in line to the throne, Prince Albert, Duke of York, would adopt his fourth name for his kingship. Officially, the king adopted ‘George VI’ as his regnal name to reinforce the royal continuity with his father, George V. Having overstepped his older brother to restore stability in the monarchy, George wanted things to seem as “business as usual” as possible.
3. Third Time’s a Charm.
King George VI proposed to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon three times before she finally said yes. According to Elizabeth, she wasn’t ready for the lifestyle changes that come with being a Royal.
4. A Visit to America.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were the first reigning English monarchs to visit America in 1939, 163 years after the American Revolution. During this trip, George became good friends with US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This friendship proved particularly important in moving North America away from its isolationist position in early-WWI.
5. It’s a Plan!
Before abdicating, Edward VIII was set to be coronated at Westminster Abbey on 12th May 1937. Due to his abdication, this plan did not go ahead, but to avoid wasting a fully planned out day, the same date then became George’s coronation.
6. Death of the King.
King George VI sadly passed away in his sleep on 6th February 1952, at the age of 56. His heir, Elizabeth, was on tour in Kenya at the time, when she heard the news of her father’s death and immediately flew back to Britain. She then ascended to the throne as Queen Elizabeth II.
This month we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, but sadly also remember the death of her father, King George VI. We would like to introduce you to the 2022 King George VI Tribute Gold Quarter Sovereign, the first time our nation’s wartime monarch has been depicted on a Quarter sovereign. You can view the range HERE.
