King George VI: A Detailed Biography

King George VI (1895–1952) was the father of Queen Elizabeth II and the unexpected monarch who led Britain through World War II. Shy, stammering, and a heavy smoker, he became a symbol of quiet courage during the Blitz and Commonwealth transformation. This biography covers his childhood as the “spare”, abdication crisis, wartime leadership, and early death, as documented by the Royal Family, the Encyclopaedia Britannica, and the UK National Archives.

Early Life and the “Spare”

Birth at Sandringham

Born Prince Albert Frederick Arthur George on December 14, 1895 — the 56th anniversary of Prince Albert’s death — at York Cottage, Sandringham. Second son of the future George V and Queen Mary, he was known as “Bertie”.

Naval Service and Stammer

Bertie suffered from knocked knees and was forced to wear painful splints. Left-handed but forced to write right-handed, he developed a severe stammer. He served in the Royal Navy during WWI and was the only British monarch to fight at the Battle of Jutland (1916), as recorded by the Imperial War Museums.

Marriage to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon

In 1923 he married Scottish aristocrat Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later Queen Mother) after proposing three times. They had two daughters: Elizabeth (1926) and Margaret (1930).

Abdication Crisis (1936)

When Edward VIII abdicated on December 11, 1936, to marry Wallis Simpson, Bertie became King George VI. He was crowned on May 12, 1937 — the date originally planned for Edward — at Westminster Abbey.

World War II Leadership

“We shall never surrender”

George VI and Queen Elizabeth refused to leave London during the Blitz, visiting bombed areas and boosting morale. His radio speeches, delivered with great effort due to his stammer, inspired the nation. He worked closely with Winston Churchill, as documented by the Churchill Archive.

Post-War Years and Commonwealth

George VI oversaw the transition from Empire to Commonwealth, including Indian independence (1947). Ill health (arteriosclerosis, lung cancer) forced the cancellation of tours.

Personal Life

George VI was a devoted family man and loved shooting and stamp collecting. His relationship with speech therapist Lionel Logue (1936 onwards) was portrayed in the Oscar-winning film The King’s Speech (2010).

Death and Legacy

King George VI’s Enduring Impact

George VI died of a coronary thrombosis on February 6, 1952, at Sandringham, aged 56 — discovered by his valet in the morning. His daughter Elizabeth succeeded him as Queen Elizabeth II. His reign stabilised the monarchy during its greatest crisis since 1688. His courage despite personal frailty made him one of Britain’s most beloved kings, as celebrated by the Royal Family.

Frequently Asked Questions About King George VI

Why Is King George VI Famous?

Father of Elizabeth II and WWII king who refused to leave London during the Blitz.

Did George VI Have a Stammer?

Yes — overcame it with Lionel Logue’s help.

Where Was King George VI Born?

Sandringham, Norfolk, December 14, 1895.

Why Did George VI Become King?

Brother Edward VIII abdicated in 1936.

What Was the King’s Speech?

His 1939 radio address declaring war on Germany.

Was George VI in the Military?

Yes — served at the Battle of Jutland 1916.

How Did King George VI Die?

Coronary thrombosis on February 6, 1952, aged 56.