George VI, The Leader

King George VI, 1939. Painted by Frank Ernest Beresford.

When the concept of great leader in Britain, one's mind usually goes to Elizabeth I or Winston Churchill. Although both of them and many other monarchs and PM's were great leaders, I would vote for King George VI as one of Britain's greatest leaders. What? That guy that ruled before Elizabeth? What did he do? He actually did a lot and held the country together. Although monarchs hold no power (a fact quickly pointed out by anti-monarchists), they are essentially the spiritual leader of Britain. They've been guides of the British people since Alfred the Great, 

George VI was actually born with severe social anxiety and had a difficult stammer. Throughout his childhood he would here comments like "stupid" and "retarded." Not just by other children, but by his own parents. A fear that completely trumped his social anxiety was his fear of the public. As a member of the Royal family, you can see how that would be quite a conflict. Aside from a few public humiliations, he grew up to live a fairly quiet life with his aristocratic wife and their two daughters (one of whom being the current Elizabeth II). The future George VI was able to do this because his elder brother, the future Edward VIII was the heir to the throne.

The family of George VI. (From Left to Right) HRH Prince Albert, Duke of York (future HM King George VI), HRH Princess Elizabeth of York (future HM Queen Elizabeth II), HRH Elizabeth, Duchess of York (future HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother), HRH Princess Margaret of York (future HRH Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon)

In 1936, the father of Edward and George died and Edward VIII was a King of the United Kingdom, as well as Emperor of India. In a quick turn of events over the next six months, Edward VIII continued a passionate love affair with the American socialite, Wallis Simpson. By the end of the year, Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry Wallis. She was an American divorcee and the church would not allow him to remain king and marry her. This was a scary moment for Britain because no sitting monarch had abdicated in such a fashion. Britain was basically in a state of panic. Enter George VI. 

Wallis Simpson and HM King Edward VIII (later Wallis, Duchess of Windsor and HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor)

George VI never wanted to be king and was suddenly proclaimed King upon his brother's abdication. He was given the task of having to reinstate the validity of the monarchy, the lifeblood of the country. It was up to him to assume his brother's role and keep the prestige, all while battling anxiety and a speech impediment. Fortunately, he did so flawlessly and was soon a beloved monarch. 

George VI in his coronation robes.

Unfortunately, his joy didn't last long when The United Kingdom went to war with Nazi Germany and George VI had to be a wartime leader. He chose to remain in his country that was being bombed daily and even sustained damage to his own home, Buckingham Palace. He was an active participant in the war effort and even put his own family on rations, like the rest of the public. He also encouraged his wife and daughters to participate in the war effort and both Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret were common fixtures in wartime Britain.

Not long after the war ended, George VI developed lung cancer from years of smoking and stress. Although he was rapidly becoming more ill, George VI continued to carry out his duties as King, only surrendering more power to his daughter as he neared the end of his life. He eventually succumbed to Lung Cancer in 1952 at age 56.

As time went on, George VI's leadership was usurped by his daughter, Elizabeth II's legacy. Although Elizabeth II was a great leader, it's important to remember George VI's contributions. Without his strong leadership after the abdication of his brother, the monarchy may have well ceased to exist. Without his strong leadership during the war, Britain may have not maintained such a tough objection to Nazi Germany.