Why George VI's stammer was his greatest strength during the war

Albert Frederick Arthur George Windsor, known as George VI, was born in York Cottage at Sandringham, England, on December 14, 1895. He was welcomed by his parents, the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George V and Queen Mary. As the 'spare' to his older brother Edward VIII, Albert had a tumultuous childhood characterized by shyness and a debilitating stammer, resulting in his preference for avoiding public appearances. His formative years were punctuated by various illnesses, notably gastric issues, and a strained relationship with his strict father, which further impacted his confidence. Despite these challenges, Albert developed interests in sports, riding, and aviation, eventually becoming the first member of the Royal Family to secure a pilot’s certificate. His relationship with Elizabeth, who would become Queen Mother, began in 1920 when he visited her family estate in Glamis, Scotland. Initially, Elizabeth was not keen on Albert; however, he persisted and proposed to her twice before they married in 1923. As Albert transitioned to his royal duties, his bond with his brother Edward strained, especially after Edward's abdication in 1936, leading Albert to ascend to the throne as King George VI on May 12, 1937. His reign was marked by World War II, during which he became a symbol of hope and resilience for the British people. Notably, on September 13, 1940, Buckingham Palace endured a bombing, which fortified the nation's spirit amidst widespread fear. In this tumultuous era, George VI was admired for his dedication to fostering goodwill among various social groups, including miners and factory workers. He worked diligently to reduce class divides and strengthen national unity. Not only did he wear the weight of kingship during war, he also left an indelible mark on the monarchy, setting an example of strength and perseverance that still resonates today.