George VI

George VI, born Albert Frederick Arthur George, was the second son of King George V and Mary of Teck, and was not initially expected to ascend to the throne. He served in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force during the First World War and was present at the Battle of Jutland. Known familiarly as ‘Bertie’, he struggled with a stutter, for which he sought treatment from speech therapist Lionel Logue. His marriage to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923 produced two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret. Unexpectedly becoming King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth after the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII, he reigned from 11 December 1936 until his death. He also served as the last Emperor of India until 1947 and was the first head of the Commonwealth post-1949.

During World War II, George VI embodied the spirit of British resilience and was a symbol of the nation’s determination to win the war. He witnessed the decline of the British Empire with the independence of India, Pakistan, and the separation of Ireland. His health deteriorated due to smoking-related issues, leading to his death at the age of 56 from a coronary thrombosis. He was buried at St George’s Chapel, initially in the Royal Vault and later moved to the King George VI Memorial Chapel.