Why Did King George V Want to Be King?

When King George V ascended the throne in 1910, it was not because he desired the position but rather because of the exigencies of British royal succession. He became heir to the throne in 1892 upon the death of his elder brother, Prince Albert Victor. Following the unexpected death of his father, King Edward VII, in May 1910, George V found himself as the new ruler of the United Kingdom.

Throughout history, those born into the line of succession have little choice regarding their royal destiny. The duties and responsibilities of such a position are not only a matter of tradition but also a matter of public service. In this regard, King George V took on his throne with a sense of duty and a deep understanding of the significance of his role.

Early Taste of Succession: The Death of Prince Albert Victor

Prince Albert Victor’s untimely death in 1892 marked the beginning of George V's journey to the throne. As the younger brother and second in line to the British throne, George, born Prince George, Duke of York, had to prepare himself for the both the expectation and the potential future responsibility of becoming king.

The death of Prince Albert Victor left a significant gap in the line of succession, and in 1893, George V's mother, Queen Alexandra, wrote to her son, saying:

I never dreamed never believed it possible that it would one day come to this but you are now the only one left and for your Law and Country, you must now be ready to lay down your life.

This statement encapsulated not just a familial duty but also a patriotic one, emphasizing the importance of serving the country and the people. George V recognized that his role as king was not just about personal ambitions but was deeply intertwined with the well-being and governance of the nation.

The Abdication and King George V's Crown

King George V's ascension through more than a decade of preparation contrasted starkly with the reasons that led his elder brother, Prince Albert Victor, to avoid his royal duties. Albert Victor had entered into an inappropriate relationship with a woman, Wallis Simpson, which would have been scandalous in the rigid social and moral standards of the time. As a potential future king, he faced immense public pressure and significant risks, leading to his abdication in 1936 by stating:

I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duty as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.

The abdication shadowed a period of uncertainty and change, with just two weeks between Prince Albert Victor's resignation and King George V's formal coronation.

King George V's Reign and Legacy

George V's reign was marked by both the challenges and the opportunities that came with the role of king. Unlike his elder brother, who had leanings towards Nazism and demonstrated a disinterest in the British way of life, George V is remembered for his dignity, stability, and fidelity to duty. His reign was noteworthy not only for the constitutional changes and the expansion of the British Empire but also for the deep connection he felt with his subjects, symbolized by his use of the title 'servant of the people.'

In an era of significant political and social upheaval, from World War I to the establishment of the Commonwealth, King George V's reign was crucial in maintaining the strength and unity of the United Kingdom. His role was to provide a stable presence during a period of great change, and he succeeded in this with remarkable poise and personal sacrifice.

Conclusion: Duty and Leadership

King George V's journey to the throne and his subsequent reign highlight the profound importance of duty and leadership in the role of a king. While he was not the first choice to fulfill this duty, George V embraced it with a sense of purpose and commitment. His reign, though marked with challenges, is remembered for its stability and the support it provided to the British nation during tumultuous times.