King George VI

Hello! My name is Albert, but my family always called me Bertie. I want to tell you my story. I was born on December 14th, 1895, at a cozy home called York Cottage in England. My father and mother would later become King George V and Queen Mary. I was never supposed to be king—that was my older brother David’s job. Growing up wasn't always easy. I was very shy, and I had a difficult stammer, which means my words would sometimes get stuck when I tried to speak. It made me feel nervous to talk in front of people.

When I was a young man, I joined the Royal Navy in 1909. I even served during a big conflict called World War I and was part of a huge sea battle in 1916 called the Battle of Jutland. After my time as a sailor, I met a wonderful woman named Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. I fell in love with her right away, and after asking her three times, she finally agreed to marry me! We were married on April 26th, 1923. We had two lovely daughters: Elizabeth, born in 1926, and Margaret, born in 1930. I was very happy being a husband and a father.

In 1936, my life changed forever. My father passed away, and my brother David became King Edward VIII. But just a few months later, on December 11th, 1936, David decided to give up the throne. Suddenly, it was my duty to become the king. I was terrified! How could I lead the country when I could barely give a speech? I decided to take the name George VI. With the help of my dear wife, Elizabeth, I found a kind speech therapist named Lionel Logue. He helped me practice and practice until I felt more confident. My coronation, the big ceremony to officially make me king, was held on May 12th, 1937.

Just a couple of years after I became king, a terrible war began in 1939—World War II. It was a very scary time for everyone. Bombs were falling on our cities, but my wife and I decided to stay in London at Buckingham Palace with our people. I knew I had to speak to the country to give them hope. With Lionel's help, I gave radio speeches that were broadcast all over the world. It was still hard for me to speak, but I knew it was my duty. When the war finally ended in 1945, we all celebrated together. I was so proud of how brave everyone had been.

The years after the war were full of big changes. Countries that were once part of the British Empire, like India, became independent in 1947. The stress of being king during the war took a toll on my health. I lived to be 56 years old, and my time came to an end on February 6th, 1952. My older daughter, Elizabeth, then became Queen Elizabeth II. People remember me as the king who didn't want the crown but found the courage to wear it. My story shows that you don't have to be perfect to be a good leader; you just have to do your best and face your fears.