George V

Full Name: George Frederick Ernest Albert
Profession: King of the United Kingdom

Nationality:

Biography: George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from May 6, 1910, until his death in 1936. Born as the second son of Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark, George was not initially expected to become king. His elder brother, Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, died in 1892, however, placing him directly in line for the throne.

Before becoming king, George served in the Royal Navy, but his naval career ended with the death of his brother. He married Princess Mary of Teck in 1893, forming a strong partnership that would last throughout his life. They had six children, including Edward VIII and George VI.

George V's reign was marked by a series of significant events, including World War I, a period that saw a profound change in the social, political, and economic fabric of Britain and its empire. During the war, George made over 450 visits to troops and over 300 visits to hospitals visiting wounded military personnel, boosting morale and showing solidarity with his subjects.

In response to anti-German sentiment in the UK during World War I, George famously changed the royal family's name from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to the House of Windsor, thereby anglicizing the family name and distancing the monarchy from its German roots.

George V was also known for his role in establishing the modern image of the British monarchy. He was the first monarch to make a Christmas Day broadcast, a tradition that continues to this day. His silver jubilee in 1935 was celebrated with widespread enthusiasm, reflecting the respect and affection in which he was held by the public.

His reign also witnessed the rise of socialism, Irish republicanism, and the Indian independence movement, all of which signaled the eventual dissolution of the British Empire and the reformation of the British Commonwealth. George was king during the establishment of the first Labour government and the first steps towards the modern Commonwealth with the Statute of Westminster 1931.

George V's health declined in his later years, and he died on January 20, 1936, at Sandringham House. His eldest son succeeded him as Edward VIII, though he abdicated later that year, and his second son became King George VI.

Born: June 3, 1865
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: January 20, 1936 (aged 70)
Cause of Death: Suffering from chronic bronchitis and close to death following a cold, his doctor Bertrand Dawson euthanized the King via two consecutive lethal injections, ​3⁄4 g of morphine followed by 1g of cocaine shortly afterwards.