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George V of the United Kingdom facts for kids

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George V
Full-length portrait in oils of King George V of the United Kingdom. He wears naval uniform under an ermine cape, and beside him a jewelled crown stands on a table.
Coronation portrait by Sir Luke Fildes, 1911
King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, Emperor of India (more ...)
Reign 6 May 1910 – 20 January 1936
Coronation 22 June 1911
Predecessor Edward VII
Successor Edward VIII
Prime Ministers See list
Born (1865-06-03)3 June 1865
Marlborough House, London
Died 20 January 1936
(age 70 years, 231 days)
Sandringham House, Norfolk
Burial 29 January 1936
St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle
Consort Mary of Teck
Issue Edward VIII
George VI
Mary, Princess Royal, Countess of Harewood
Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester
Prince George, Duke of Kent
Prince John
Full name
George Frederick Ernest Albert
House House of Windsor
House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
Father Edward VII
Mother Alexandra of Denmark
Religion Church of England
Signature George V's signature

King George V (born George Frederick Ernest Albert; 1865–1936) was a very important British king. He was the first ruler of the United Kingdom from the Windsor family. He reigned for over 25 years, from 1910 to 1936.

George V was born on June 3, 1865. He was the son of Edward VII. He joined the Royal Navy when he was just twelve years old. He later left the Navy to become king. He was crowned King and Emperor of India in 1911. King George was married to Princess Victoria Mary of Teck.

He was king during World War I. He and his wife often visited soldiers at the war front. He changed the royal family's name to "Windsor" to show that they were truly British, as Germany was not popular at the time. He also started the tradition of the Royal Christmas Broadcast. Many people thought he was a good and wise king. He was the grandfather of Elizabeth II, who was the Queen until 2022.

Early Life and Family

Kinggeorgev1928
George V of the United Kingdom

George was born on June 3, 1865. He was the second son of the Prince and Princess of Wales. They later became King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. George married his cousin, Mary of Teck, who later became Queen Mary. They were married until he died.

For many years, George was known as the Duke of York. His grandmother, Queen Victoria, died peacefully at age 81. After her death, George's father, Edward, became king. Edward was known for keeping peace and stability. George was very sad when his father died, calling him "my best friend."

When George became king, Britain was the richest and most powerful country in the world. During his time as king, the British Empire grew even larger.

King and Emperor of the British Empire

George quickly showed that he was a good and popular king. He became a symbol of British strength during World War I. He and Queen Mary often visited the soldiers fighting in the war.

However, some people at home were not happy. Some even called him "an alien" because his grandfather was German. To show his loyalty to Britain, he changed the family name to "Windsor." This removed any connection to his German background. During the war, he was seriously hurt when he fell from his horse in France.

After the war, many royal families around the world lost their power. But under King George V, the British monarchy remained strong and popular. He worked very hard as king. He traveled to many places and met many people. These included world leaders and everyday working people.

King George also made friends with politicians from the Labour party and trade union members. He understood the British Empire better than many of his ministers. During the 1926 General Strike, he advised the government not to be too harsh on the workers. He said, "Try living on their wages before you judge them."

Unlike many others, George was worried about the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. He warned that another world war would happen within ten years. He told people to be careful of the Nazis. He was right, as war started just three years after he died.

Kinggeorgev1923
King George V in 1923

In 1932, King George V started the tradition of the Royal Christmas Broadcast. This is where the monarch speaks to the country on Christmas Day. His Silver Jubilee in 1935 celebrated 25 years of his reign. People from all parts of society celebrated with great joy.

After this, his health quickly got worse. In his later years, his relationship with his oldest son and heir, Edward, became difficult. George was upset that Edward did not settle down and was angry about his many relationships with married women. Edward did not take his royal duties seriously. He preferred to party and live a life of luxury. This was very different from George's strong sense of duty and hard work.

George V once said about Edward: "After I am dead, the boy will ruin himself within 12 months." He was correct. Less than a year after becoming king, Edward gave up the throne. This caused great problems for the royal family. King George V was seen as a very wise king with excellent judgment.

Death of King George V

King George V became very ill. On the evening of January 15, 1936, he went to his bedroom at Sandringham House feeling unwell. He died on January 20, 1936, at 70 years old.

Before his state funeral, his body lay in Westminster Hall. The night before, all his living sons stood guard. This was known as the "Vigil of the Princes," showing their deep respect. Statues of King George V were put up around the world. He has also been shown many times by actors in movies and TV shows.

Royal Titles

King George V had many different titles throughout his life:

  • June 1865 – 24 May 1892: His Royal Highness Prince George of Wales
  • 24 May 1892 – 22 January 1901: His Royal Highness The Duke of York
  • 22 January 1901 – 9 November 1901: His Royal Highness The Duke of Cornwall and York
  • 9 November 1901 – 6 May 1910: His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
  • 9 November 1901 – 6 May 1910: His Royal Highness The Duke of Rothesay (This title was used only in Scotland)
  • 6 May 1910 – 20 January 1936: His Majesty The King

He was also often called His Imperial Majesty The King within the British Empire. Sometimes he was called His Most Gracious Majesty The King, but this was not his official title.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Jorge V del Reino Unido para niños

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