British West Africa | 1943 | 3 Pence | KIng George VI

 




George VI 

George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George; 14 December 1895 – 6 February 1952) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death. He was the last Emperor of India and the first Head of the Commonwealth.

King George VI, originally not expected to become king as the second son of King George V, spent his early years overshadowed by his elder brother, Edward. He served in both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force during World War I and later focused on royal duties. In 1923 he married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, with whom he had two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret.

George became king in 1936 after Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson. His reign saw major global and political changes: the rapid decline of the British Empire, the transformation into the Commonwealth, and World War II, during which Britain and its allies ultimately triumphed. The independence of India and Pakistan in 1947 marked a major shift; he remained their king until India became a republic in 1950. Ireland also became a republic and left the Commonwealth in 1949. George adopted the new title Head of the Commonwealth.

His later years were marked by serious health issues, and he was succeeded by his elder daughter, Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II).


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