The Windsors: A Journey Through the Lives of George V, Edward VIII, and George VI

George V was the King of the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth, reigning from 1910 until his death in 1936. In his youth, he served in the Royal Navy but became heir to the throne after the death of his elder brother. Upon ascending to the throne in 1910, he demonstrated strong leadership during World War I, visiting the frontlines to boost morale. He changed the royal family name to "Windsor" to strengthen ties with the public. George V laid the foundation for the modern British monarchy. He passed away in 1936 due to health issues, marking the beginning of a new era for the royal family.

Mary of Teck was the wife of King George V and Queen of the British, as well as the mother of George VI and Edward VIII. Initially engaged to Prince Albert Victor, heir to the throne, she married his younger brother George (later George V) after Albert's death from influenza.

Edward VIII was one of the shortest-reigning monarchs in British history, serving as King from January 20 to December 11, 1936. The eldest son of George V, he was known for his romantic and controversial life. His relationship with Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee, caused a constitutional crisis, leading to his abdication—making him the first British monarch to voluntarily relinquish the throne. His brother, George VI, succeeded him, and Edward was granted the title "Duke of Windsor." In his abdication speech, Edward stated, "I cannot carry out my duties as King without the help of the woman I love." He married Wallis Simpson in 1937 in France, where they later settled. The couple lived abroad, primarily in France and the United States, and rarely returned to Britain.

George VI was the father of Queen Elizabeth II and served as King of the United Kingdom and head of the British Commonwealth from December 11, 1936, to February 6, 1952. He was also the last Emperor of India, a title that ended with India's independence. George VI struggled with a lifelong stammer, which made public speaking a challenge, but with the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue, he overcame this difficulty—an inspiring story later adapted into the film The King's Speech. George VI passed away in 1952 at the age of 56, and his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, succeeded him.