Prince Albert, Duke of York (1895-1952), was the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. He never expected to become King, and assumed that he and his wife, the former Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, would spend their lives in a supportive role as did most other members of the royal family. From childhood he had been handicapped by low self-esteem and a severe stammer.
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When his elder brother, Edward VIII, plunged his family and country into the abdication crisis, the Duke of York found himself a very unwilling head of state - 'How I hate to be King' - he often said. Yet this shy, diffident man and his vivacious wife, now Queen Elizabeth, were hard-working, diligent and popular monarchs, leading Britain during the unparalleled crisis of World War II.
This book examines his life and character in depth, his role as King during a time of war, and the often bitter relationship with Edward VIII, who became Duke of Windsor after abdication.
The review of this Book prepared by John Van der Kiste
