King George VI --Albert Frederick Arthur George--

"King George VI represented, for us, a model of character and deportment for those in high places. Our respect for him as an inspirational force was equalled by our affection for him as a gentle human being." --General Dwight D Eisenhower, 7th February, 1952--

The tow-headed second son of the then Duke of York was shy and unassuming from an early age

Often overshadowed by his more flamboyant brother Prince Edward, Bertie was more than content to play second fiddle

Though forced to endure the rigors of a naval education by his pragmatic father, Bertie gained some confidence from his training

Bertie and Elizabeth shortly after their marraige

Young Bertie after attending Trinity College in Cambridge

The Duke and Duchess of York with their two daughters, Margaret (left) and Elizabeth

King George VI with Queen Elizabeth and the Princesses on thier corronation day May 11, 1937

King George V with his sons, Prince Edward of Wales and Prince Albert, Duke of York, shortly before the king's death and the abdication of the new King Edward VIII

The Royal family parambulating with thier entourage

The King engaged in his royal visiting duties

King George VI inspecting members of the RAF on castle grounds during WWII

King George VI in uniform as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Air Force during World War II

"There may be dark days ahead, and war can no longer be confined to the battlefield. But we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God.  If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then, with God's help, we shall prevail." --King George VI, in his radio address to the British Commonwealth after declairing war agains the Third Reich, September 3, 1939-- * * * * * *

"There is great comfort in the thought that the years of darkness and danger in which the children of our country have grown up are over and, please God, for ever. We shall have failed, and the blood of our dearest will have flowed in vain, if the victory which they died to win does not lead to a lasting peace, founded on justice and established in good will. To that, then, let us turn our thoughts on this day of just triumph and proud sorrow; and then take up our work again, resolved as a people to do nothing unworthy of those who died for us and to make the world such a world as they would have desired, for their children and for ours. "This is the task to which now honour binds us. In the hour of danger we humbly committed our cause into the Hand of God, and He has been our Strength and Shield. Let us thank him for His mercies, and in this hour of Victory commit ourselves and our new task to the guidance of that same strong Hand." --King George VI, in his radio address to the Commonwealth on V-E Day, May 8, 1945-- * * * * * *

"The war is over. You know, I think, that those four words have for The Queen and myself the same significance, simple yet immense, that they have for you.  Our hearts are full to overflowing, as are your own." --King George VI, in his radio address to the Commonwealth on V-J Day, August 15, 1945--

King George VI during his final years of reign, suffering from health problems

King George VI with Mary, the Queen Mother and Princess Elizabeth shortly after the birth of his first grandchild, Prince Charles Philip Arthur George

King George VI died in his sleep due to complications from lung cancer on February 6, 1952.  At his funeral, Prime Minister Winston Churchill laid a wreath at the King's coffin.  The card attatched read simply, "For Valour."

Links:

Excerpts from a London Times article euligising the King The King's wartime speeches The Official Website of the British Royal Family

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