On this day in 1895, George VI was born at York Cottage on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk during the reign of his great grandmother, Queen Victoria. His birth date fell on the 34th anniversary of the death of his great grandfather, Prince Albert, and so, the new royal was named Albert in his honor.
As the second son of King George V, it was not expected for George to become king. However, this changed suddenly in 1936 after his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne in order to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson.
During World War II, the King became an important symbolic leader for his people. The King and his family remained in Buckingham Palace throughout the war despite the danger of bombings. He developed a close relationship with Winston Churchill and visited military forces abroad to help boost moral.
George VI died on February 6, 1952 from lung cancer at the age of 56. After his death, his daughter ascended to the throne as Queen Elizabeth II.
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Image: Library of Congress
Source: Geni.com
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