King George V

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

King George V
Reign6 May 1910 – 20 January 1936
Coronation22 June 1911
PredecessorEdward VII
SuccessorEdward VIII
Born3 June 1865
Marlborough House, London, England
Died20 January 1936 (aged 70)
Sandringham House, Norfolk, England
Burial28 January 1936
SpouseMary of Teck
IssueEdward VIII, George VI, and others
HouseHouse of Windsor
FatherEdward VII
MotherAlexandra of Denmark


King 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 served in the Royal Navy in his youth and was created Duke of York following his father's accession to the throne. Upon his father's death in 1910, George ascended the throne as the first monarch of the House of Windsor, which he renamed from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as a result of anti-German sentiment during World War I.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

George was born at Marlborough House, the son of Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII) and Princess Alexandra of Denmark. His education was primarily conducted by private tutors and included stints in the Royal Navy, where he developed a lifelong interest in naval affairs.

Reign[edit | edit source]

George V's reign was marked by a number of significant events in British history, including the First World War, the establishment of the Irish Free State, and the evolution of the British Empire into a commonwealth of nations. During his reign, he was seen as a stabilizing figure in a time of political and social upheaval.

World War I[edit | edit source]

During World War I, George V made over 450 visits to troops and over 300 visits to hospitals visiting wounded soldiers. He was also active in promoting the war effort on the home front.

Post-War Period[edit | edit source]

The post-war period saw the rise of socialism and the Labour movement in Britain, which led to the 1926 United Kingdom general strike. George played a role in the resolution of the strike by advocating for compromise between the government and the strikers.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

George married Princess Mary of Teck in 1893, who was initially engaged to George's elder brother, Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, who died in an influenza pandemic. George and Mary had six children, including two future monarchs, Edward VIII and George VI.

Death and Legacy[edit | edit source]

George V died on 20 January 1936 at Sandringham House, Norfolk, after a reign of 25 years. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Edward VIII, who later abdicated. George V is credited with establishing the modern practice of the Royal Christmas Broadcast and was a popular monarch remembered for his sense of duty and his role during a turbulent period in British history.

Regnal titles
Preceded by King of the United Kingdom
1910–1936
Succeeded by

Template:UK-monarch-stub

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD