Full name:  George VI Born:  14th December 1895 Place of Birth:  Sandringham House Ascended to the throne:  11th December 1936, aged 40 years Crowned:  12th May 1937, at Westminster Abbey Reign:  15 years Died:  6th February 1952, Norfolk

George was born 14th December 1895, the second son of George V.

George joined the Royal Navy, and fought in World War One.

In 1920, he gave up his work within the Navy to begin his royal duties as the Duke of York.

George was helped throughout his reign by his wife, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who he married in 1923. They had two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret.

As Duke of York, it was never expected that he would take the throne. In 1936, he took the throne as George VI, following the surprising abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII.

George and Elizabeth made many foreign visits. In 1939, George became the first British Monarch to visit the US.

George visited the battle fronts extensively throughout the war. Both his active efforts, and his refusal to leave Britain led to him gaining respect, and admiration from the public. He also created the 'George Cross', which was awarded to those who performed courageous acts not under the duress of enemy fire.

The stresses of the Second World War took their toll, and on 6th February 1952, George died in his sleep following a lung operation. His daughter, Elizabeth acceded to the throne.