Introduction
KING George VI was the monarch before he passed away and handed the role over to his eldest daughter Queen Elizabeth II. We know a lot about the late Queen's family but how much does anyone really know about the king that came before?
Queen Elizabeth II's father
Queen Elizabeth II's father was George VI, who was born on 14 December 1895. He was the King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death on 6 February 1952. However, some may not know that he was not the direct heir to the throne after his father King George V died in January of 1936. His older brother, King Edward VIII, was next in line for the throne, but he abdicated in December 1936, passing the title to George VI.
King George VI's death
King George VI died on February 6, 1952, from a coronary thrombosis in his bed at Sandringham in Norfolk. He had been ill with lung cancer and other ailments. Princess Elizabeth, who was then aged 25 and in Kenya on a royal tour, learned of her father's death while away. Her husband Prince Philip broke the news to her. She returned to London and assumed sovereignty as Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth's accession
Queen Elizabeth formally proclaimed her accession at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace on February 8. She became the first Sovereign in over 200 years to accede while abroad. Her formal coronation took place on June 2, 1953, in London's Westminster Abbey.
Conclusion
King George VI played an important role in the British monarchy, and his death led to Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Accession Day is celebrated in the United Kingdom with various official functions and gun salutes to mark the occasion.
