King George VI
In Britain the phrase 'an heir and a spare' refers to the imperative for members of the royal family to provide both an heir to take on their title and a spare. In this equation King George VI was 'the spare', the second son of King George V and Mary, and never expected to sit on the throne. King George VI, or Albert as he was known prior to his kingship, had a career in the Royal Navy and served during the First World War before King Edward VIII's decision to abdicate his throne. Determined to restore the British Royal Family in the eyes of the people, King George VI played a pivotal role in the victory of the allied nations in the Second World War.

Inside you will read about...
✓ Early Years
✓ Prince Albert in the Navy
✓ The Great War
✓ The Reign and Abdication of King Edward VIII
✓ Becoming King George VI
✓ The Second World War
✓ Post-War Years
And much more!

King George VI ruled long enough to oversee the tumultuous post-war years in Britain, the collapse of the British Empire and the emergence of the Commonwealth. Succeeded by his daughter Elizabeth when he was just 55 years old, King George VI had a deep sense of honour and duty and was completely dedicated to his turbulent role as King.