George VI was the British monarch from 1936 to 1952. He was the second son of the Duke of York, George V. He was born at York Cottage, Sandringham, on December 15, 1895.
George VI was Prince Albert before ascending to the throne. He was born fourth in line to the throne and became known as the ‘Reluctant King’ after his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne in 1936.
Quick Facts: –
- George VI was the third king of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the House of Windsor dynasty.
- Prince Albert entered the Royal Naval College at Osborne in 1909 and 2 years later went on to Dartmouth.
- After completing college, he entered the Navy professionally.
- In 1919 he became the first member of the royal family to receive a pilot’s certificate.
- He was an athletic person and even competed in the men’s doubles tournament at Wimbledon in 1926, before becoming king.
- Prince Albert was made the Duke of York in 1920 by King George V.
- He only reigned for 16 years but during that time, he became one of the more notable monarchs in modern British history.
- He suffered from a nervous stammer and in the initial days of his reign, he lacked confidence to speak in public.
- Apart from this, he also endured chronic stomach issues and was easily frightened.
- George VI died in February 1952 at Sandringham House, Norfolk. He was 56 years old at that time.
