Love endures all things – King George VI

The theme of this month is “love endure all things” means that we are willing to remain in difficult situations for the sake of one another, rather than seeking our own ease through escape.

Let’s learn about the life of the King George VI of England, and how he became a symbol of resistance during the WW2. King George VI, whose full name was ‘Albert Frederick Arthur George’, was the King of the United Kingdom from December 1936 until his death in 1952. He was beloved by the people of England for his actions during the Second World War.

Upon the death of his father, King George V. The two brothers, George VI and Edward, had to assume more responsibility within the royal family. Edward was the eldest brother, so he was expected to become king. He was crowned as King Edward and abdicated (gave up) the throne only a few months later. Without a King, George VI was forced to step in and take his place, he did not ever expect to become king and as such, became known as the ‘Reluctant King’.

Since being young, King George VI had struggled with a terrible stammer, he found public speaking very difficult, and he tried to avoid it when possible. Once he was king, he could no longer avoid that which gave him anxiety. So, the King found an Australian speech and language therapist and they worked very closely to overcome his difficulty. In addition to the support of his wife that allow him to speak in public much more effectively. Eventually, he also delivered the speech that was transmitted by radio across the entire country and told the nation, that it was at war with Nazi Germany.

During the Second World War (1939 – 1945), King George VI became a very popular figure among the people and won admiration. Despite the intense bombing of London, He refused to leave the city and remained living at Buckingham Palace. The palace was directly hit with bombs twice, and yet he still remained. For the people of Britain at the time, they saw him as a symbol of resistance and ‘fighting spirit’. Throughout the war, he developed a close working relationship with the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Churchill regularly consulted with the King for advice and support. Finally, on VE (Victory in Europe) Day, 8 May 1945, marked the end of the WWII and Buckingham Palace was a focal point of the celebrations. The war had immeasurably strengthened the link between the King and his people.

Unfortunately, due to health issue, King George XVI was passed away in 1952. His daughter, Queen Elizabeth II succeeded him as she was the longest of any British monarch in history. The story of King George XVI proved that love endures all things. I hope Shungtakians can learn from him and overcome all difficulties in your daily lives.

Mr Wong CW
11 January 2023