King George VI took to the throne in 1936 when King Edward VIII abdicated. His brother, the Queen’s uncle, did so as he wasn’t permitted to marry Wallace Simpson – a divorcee with living ex-husbands – and resigning his position allowed him to live his life with her. But the decision affected then Prince Albert profoundly, and the newly dubbed King George VI said he “broke down” as a consequence.
The day before his brother abdicated, Prince Albert had already learned of his intentions.
Before taking up the throne, he opted to visit his mother, Queen Mary.
He later wrote in his diary about the experience, saying: “When I told her what had happened, I broke down and sobbed like a child.”
Rumours he was unfit for the role dominated the King’s early rule, with gossip claiming he was psychologically and physically incapable.
READ MORE: Prince Louis snub: Why George and Charlotte to get title but not Louis
Mr Wilson said: “The last King to be crowned was called Bertie, but styled George VI. The one before him went by the name David but was crowned Edward VIII.
“There is, as yet, no guarantee that Charles will be crowned King Charles III.
“George VI’s title was chosen in the light of Edward VIII’s abdication the previous year – the choice a hark back to the solid and dependable reign of King George V.
“Charles will enter the stage in different circumstances, following the lengthy and – say many – the most successful reign in the long story of the British monarchy.”
