George VI

George VI was the first reigning monarch of Great Britain to set foot on American soil and was offered a hot dog by former US President Franklin D Roosevelt.

King

December 14, 1895

February 06, 1952

56

George VI, a British monarch who reigned during World War II, ascended to the throne after his brother Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson. He is best known for his leadership during the war, including his resilience during the Blitz and his memorable VE Day speech. Additionally, he founded the King George’s Fund for Sailors, contributed to the establishment of the British Film Institute, played a significant role in forming the Commonwealth of Nations, and received the Royal Victorian Chain and the Order of Merit for his wartime service. Actors such as Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech” and Jared Harris in “The Crown” have portrayed him on screen.

George VI made history as the first reigning British monarch to visit the United States in 1939, aiming to boost his popularity as Europe faced impending war. During a social event, former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor served the king a hot dog. Throughout his life, George VI struggled with a speech impediment, which he eventually overcame with the help of speech therapists, as depicted in the film “The King’s Speech.” He also made state visits to France in 1938 and Canada in 1939.