George VI of England

George VI was named king of the United Kingdom on December 11, 1936. He was a soldier in the Royal Navy during World War I. He ascended the throne by reason of abdication by his brother Edward VIII. Edward VIII chose to marry twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson thus ending his reign as king of England and handing the throne over to his brother. George VI served as king until his death on February 6, 1952 from a coronary thrombosis. He was succeeded by his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II.

Time Line

December 14, 1895: Born

1914-1918: Served in the Royal Navy
1923: Married Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
1926: Balfour Declaration
1926: First daughter born, Elizabeth II
1930: Second daughter born, Princess Margaret
1931: Statute of Westminster
1936: Ascended the throne
1937: Coronation
1936: External Relations Act passed
1938: Munich Agreement
1939: Visited the United States
1952: Death and end of his reign

Background and Education

George VI was born on December 14, 1895 in Norfolk, England. His father was Prince George, Duke of York and his mother was Queen Mary. Being the second born, he was fourth in line for the throne. George VI was often sick as a child. He developed a stammer at a young age that lasted for several years. He was born with knock knees and had to endure wearing splints that were very painful.

George VI attended the Royal Naval College in Osborne as a naval cadet. He later moved to the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. He began his service in World War I in 1914. He later transferred from the Royal Navy to the Royal Air Force. After the war, George VI attended Trinity College, in Cambridge where he studied history, civics and economics. On April 26, 1923, George VI married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. The couple had two children, Elizabeth II and Margaret.