How the death of the late British monarch was captured on a series of archive films. George VI, "Bertie", was not the first in line to the throne, and did not want the role of Monarch. He preferred a quieter life with low profile public service, his nervousness of public profile reflected in his lifelong stammer, which he significantly overcame, thanks to help from speech therapists and the support of his wife Elizabeth. However, he led "us four", the family which stepped into the role of Royal Family, on the abdication of Edward VIII, and within a few years they restored and enhanced beyond expectations the image and respect for the British Royal Family, especially through their visibility as Britain came under attack in World War Two. There is a famous line which summed them up, when the Queen was asked whether the two Princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret, should be evacuated to Canada as invasion seemed imminent, and the Blitz worsened. She replied "The children will not leave without their mother, their mother will not leave without the King, and the King will never leave". The pressure of the role, and its inevitable need to adapt with dignity to a new order at home and abroad after the war took its toll on the health of the shy and withdrawn man. His death followed a long illness from lung cancer but came unexpectedly. It can be seen from this footage that, whatever he was like as a monarch and an individual, the shock and the grief at his death, was genuine among his <b>...</b>
King
George
VI
death
Britain
monarchy
royal
family
history
Glyndwr
65
