The House of Windsor (1917-present day)

George VI (1936 – 1952)

Following the dramatic abdication of his elder brother, George suddenly found himself on the throne, just before the outbreak of the Second World War. Like his father he spent considerable time in the Navy but did not feel prepared for leading his country, especially into war. However, he was nobly supported by his wife Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, and together they met the challenge head on. The King became a figurehead of British patriotism during the conflict and the pair frequently made morale-boosting visits around the UK.

Throughout his life, however, George was plagued by ill-health. It certainly didn’t help that he was a smoker and a constant worrier. After the War his health went seriously downhill and by 1951 he had contracted lung cancer. Increasingly his daughter Princess Elizabeth, the heiress to the throne, took on more royal duties as her father's health deteriorated. The following year, George died in his sleep, aged 56.