George V

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King George V of the United Kingdom as a boy, 1870

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Kinggeorgev1928

Princess Mary of Teck wedding dress 1893 no2

George, Duke of York, and his children

File:Duke of York at Montreal and Quebec 1901.ogv George V (George Frederick Ernest Albert; 3 June 1865 – 20 January 1936) was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 until his death in 1936.

Born during the reign of his grandmother Queen Victoria, George was third in the line of succession behind his father, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), and his own elder brother, Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale. Following the early death of his brother in 1892, George became the heir apparent to the throne and subsequently married his brother's fiancée, Mary of Teck, in 1893. They had six children together. Before ascending to the throne, George served in the Royal Navy during the late 19th century and was involved in the naval battles of the Anglo-Egyptian War and the action at Crete.

Upon the death of his father in 1910, George V ascended the throne. His reign was marked by a series of significant events including the First World War, during which the king made over 450 visits to troops and numerous visits to factories involved in war production. Post-war, the British Empire transitioned to the British Commonwealth, reflecting the changing nature of British imperialism. In 1917, in response to anti-German sentiment during the war, he changed the royal house name from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to the House of Windsor.

George was also known for his support of charitable causes and his interest in science and technology, often visiting coal mines, factories, and railways. His Silver Jubilee in 1935 was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the public.

George's health declined significantly in his later years, and he was succeeded by his eldest son, Edward VIII, who abdicated less than a year later, leaving the throne to George's second son, George VI.

Early Life

George was born at Marlborough House, London, as the second son of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), and Alexandra, Princess of Wales (later Queen Alexandra). His father was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. George's mother was the eldest daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark. Educated initially by private tutors, George entered the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth at the age of 12. His naval career ended with the death of his elder brother, and he was created Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killarney by Queen Victoria in 1892.

Reign

George V's reign was a period of significant change in the politics, society, and economy of Britain. The First World War (1914-1918) was a defining event of his reign, leading to the fall of four empires, the expansion of the British Empire, and the emergence of the United States as a world power. Post-war, George was a key figure in the establishment of the League of Nations, though the UK did not join until later. The period also saw the extension of the franchise to women, the rise of labour movements, and significant challenges to the British economy and traditional social structures.

Legacy

George V is remembered for his role during the First World War and his efforts to adapt the monarchy to the changing times. His decision to change the royal family's name to Windsor and his commitment to public service helped to stabilize the monarchy during a period of potential crisis. His legacy continued through his descendants, including his granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II.

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