Welcome to the George VI Hub! This community hub — built on top of and serving as a companion to the Wikipedia article — lets you discuss, collect, and organize everything related to George VI.
George VI was born at Sandringham House in Norfolk, England, as the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. He was named Albert Frederick Arthur George and was known as 'Bertie' to his family and close friends.
Naval and Military Service
1910-1918
Albert attended naval college and served in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force during the First World War, including participating in the Battle of Jutland. This period shaped his early life and military career.
Marriage
1923
Albert married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, with whom he had two daughters, Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) and Margaret. This marriage provided him with strong support throughout his life and reign.
Ascension to the Throne
11 December 1936
Following the abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII, Albert ascended to the throne as King George VI. This unexpected turn of events required him to adapt quickly to his new role.
Coronation
12 May 1937
King George VI was crowned at Westminster Abbey, marking the formal beginning of his reign. His wife, Queen Elizabeth, played a crucial role in supporting him during this period.
World War II
1939-1945
During World War II, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth remained at Buckingham Palace, which was bombed several times. They visited severely bombed areas, military forces, and factories, boosting national morale and symbolizing British determination. The King also instituted the George Cross and George Medal for acts of bravery by citizens.
VE Day Celebrations
8 May 1945
On Victory in Europe Day, Buckingham Palace was a focal point of celebrations. The King and Queen appeared on the balcony with Winston Churchill, marking a significant moment of national unity and victory.
Independence of India and Pakistan
1947
India and Pakistan gained independence, leading to the dissolution of the British Raj. King George VI ceased to be Emperor of India and later adopted the title of Head of the Commonwealth following the London Declaration of 1949.
Tour of South Africa
1947
The King undertook a major tour of South Africa with Queen Elizabeth and their daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. This was the first time a monarch had undertaken a tour with their family.
Death
6 February 1952
King George VI died in his sleep at Sandringham House, aged 56, due to complications from a lung operation. He was succeeded by his elder daughter, Elizabeth II. His funeral was held at St George's Chapel, Windsor, where he lies buried.
Brief
Known For
Being the King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth, the last Emperor of India, and the first Head of the Commonwealth. He was also known for his role during World War II and his struggle with a stutter.
Bio Dates and Places
Born Date: 14 December 1895.
Born Place: York Cottage, Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, England.
Death Date: 6 February 1952.
Death Place: Sandringham House, Norfolk, England.
Career
Current occupation: King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth.
Past occupations: Duke of York, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force officer during World War I.
Current Place of Work: Buckingham Palace.
Previous Place of Work: Various naval and air force postings.
Wikipedia Article
Welcome to the George VI Hub! This community hub — built on top of and serving as a companion to the Wikipedia article — lets you discuss, collect, and organize everything related to George VI.
George VI was born at Sandringham House in Norfolk, England, as the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. He was named Albert Frederick Arthur George and was known as 'Bertie' to his family and close friends.
Naval and Military Service
1910-1918
Albert attended naval college and served in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force during the First World War, including participating in the Battle of Jutland. This period shaped his early life and military career.
Marriage
1923
Albert married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, with whom he had two daughters, Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) and Margaret. This marriage provided him with strong support throughout his life and reign.
Ascension to the Throne
11 December 1936
Following the abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII, Albert ascended to the throne as King George VI. This unexpected turn of events required him to adapt quickly to his new role.
Coronation
12 May 1937
King George VI was crowned at Westminster Abbey, marking the formal beginning of his reign. His wife, Queen Elizabeth, played a crucial role in supporting him during this period.
World War II
1939-1945
During World War II, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth remained at Buckingham Palace, which was bombed several times. They visited severely bombed areas, military forces, and factories, boosting national morale and symbolizing British determination. The King also instituted the George Cross and George Medal for acts of bravery by citizens.
VE Day Celebrations
8 May 1945
On Victory in Europe Day, Buckingham Palace was a focal point of celebrations. The King and Queen appeared on the balcony with Winston Churchill, marking a significant moment of national unity and victory.
Independence of India and Pakistan
1947
India and Pakistan gained independence, leading to the dissolution of the British Raj. King George VI ceased to be Emperor of India and later adopted the title of Head of the Commonwealth following the London Declaration of 1949.
Tour of South Africa
1947
The King undertook a major tour of South Africa with Queen Elizabeth and their daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. This was the first time a monarch had undertaken a tour with their family.
Death
6 February 1952
King George VI died in his sleep at Sandringham House, aged 56, due to complications from a lung operation. He was succeeded by his elder daughter, Elizabeth II. His funeral was held at St George's Chapel, Windsor, where he lies buried.
Brief
Known For
Being the King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth, the last Emperor of India, and the first Head of the Commonwealth. He was also known for his role during World War II and his struggle with a stutter.
Bio Dates and Places
Born Date: 14 December 1895.
Born Place: York Cottage, Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, England.
Death Date: 6 February 1952.
Death Place: Sandringham House, Norfolk, England.
Career
Current occupation: King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth.
Past occupations: Duke of York, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force officer during World War I.
Current Place of Work: Buckingham Palace.
Previous Place of Work: Various naval and air force postings.