During World War II, King George VI sat on the throne of England, with Queen Elizabeth at his side—better known to modern generations as the “Queen Mum.”
King George VI was crowned in Westminster Abbey on May 12, 1937, at the age of 41, after the controversial abdication of his older brother King Edward VIII. King George VI was born in 1895, Queen Elizabeth in 1900, and they were married in 1923. Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II) was born in 1926 and Princess Margaret in 1930.
King George VI of the United Kingdom delivering his radio address announcing Britain’s entry into the war with Germany, Buckingham Palace, London, 3 Sept 1939 (United Kingdom National Archives)
On September 1, 1939, World War II began when Germany invaded Poland. The United Kingdom declared war on September 3, and the king addressed the nation that evening. Children were evacuated from London in anticipation of German bombing, and the princesses stayed at Balmoral Castle in Scotland for the first few months of the war and at Windsor Castle for the majority of the war years. However, the king and queen refused to leave London and refused to send the princesses to Canada as many urged. Queen Elizabeth stated “The children won’t go without me. I won’t leave the King. And the King will never leave.”
From the beginning, the Royal Family aided the war effort. In November 1939, Queen Elizabeth urged British women to contribute to the war effort, and she published The Queen’s Book of the Red Cross, with contributions from fifty British authors and artists, with the funds aiding the Red Cross.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visit the East End, the site of the last V-2 to fall on London on 27 Mar 1945, visiting on 4 Oct 1945 (United Kingdom National Archives)
When the German Luftwaffe began bombing London in September 1940, the impoverished East End was devastated. The queen visited the ravaged neighborhoods but was poorly received at first. On September 13, bombs hit Buckingham Palace for the first time. Queen Elizabeth stated, “I’m glad we’ve been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the East End in the face.” Quickly, the king and queen’s insistence on staying in Buckingham Palace, their strict adherence to rationing and other restrictions, and their compassionate visits to victims of the Blitz won over the population.
On May 20, 1941, the king and queen visited Plymouth, and missed a bombing of that city—planned by the Germans to coincide with their visit—by only hours. The queen’s fortitude and her extremely positive impact on morale caused Adolf Hitler to call her the “most dangerous woman in Europe.”
King George VI with Gen. Bernard Montgomery at British 21st Army Group Headquarters in the Netherlands, 13 Oct 1944 (Imperial War Museum)
King George VI visited the troops in England, including the many American troops who would be stationed on British soil. He also made frequent trips to visit the commanders and troops overseas—to France in December 1939, North Africa and Malta in June 1943, Normandy in June 1944, Italy in July 1944, and the Netherlands in October 1944. His willingness to visit so close to the front lines endeared him to the troops.
Princess Elizabeth with B-17G Rose of York of the US 306th Bombardment Group, Thurleigh, England (US Army Air Forces photo)
While no royal weddings occurred in England during World War II, the seeds of a romance were sprouting. At the age of 13, Princess Elizabeth became infatuated with a young man and began exchanging letters in July 1939. That young man? Her future husband, Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. They were married in 1947.
The young princesses stayed in Windsor Castle for most of the war. They aided the war effort through the Girl Guides and the Sea Rangers. On October 13, 1940, Princess Elizabeth gave her first radio broadcast, on the BBC’s Children’s Hour, to encourage child evacuees far from home and family. And in 1943, at the age of 16, Princess Elizabeth began more public appearances.
Princess Elizabeth, 2nd Subaltern in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, April 1945 (Imperial War Museum)
In February 1945, despite her parents’ objections, Princess Elizabeth enlisted in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the women’s auxiliary of the Royal Army. She was the first female member of the Royal Family in history to serve as an active member of the armed forces. Trained as a mechanic and driver, she became proficient with a number of military vehicles. She loved having dirt under her fingernails and still has a fondness for driving.
Princess Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth, Winston Churchill, King George VI, and Princess Margaret on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, 8 May 1945 (US Army photo)
On May 8, 1945, the Allies celebrated Victory in Europe Day. Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, with permission from their parents, anonymously joined the rejoicing crowds in London, “swept along on a tide of happiness and relief.” The Royal Family and Prime Minister Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace before a jubilant crowd.
Without a doubt, the indomitable spirit of the Royal Family helped the people of the United Kingdom through their darkest times.
I enjoyed reading about the British royal family in WWII. Thanks!
Thank you, Gina!
Love reading about the Royals. I have read “The Sea Before Us” and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you, Barb! I’m glad you enjoyed the post – and the book!
Thanks for the history about the Royal family. Enjoyed it. I have already read “the Sea Before Us” and look forward to your next book.
Thank you, Gael!
I am learning so much from these post and it is so interesting. Thank you so much!!
Thank you, Lori!
Love, love history. Thanks for continuing to write wonderful stories!
Thanks, Alicemae! I’m glad you’re enjoying them.
SO very interesting!! Love learning about British history
Me too 🙂
Sarah Sundin
I’ve enjoyed each of your books. I love the romance combined with history of the times. Waiting for more of your books.
Thanks, Helen! I’m glad you’re enjoying the books!
What a fascinating post! And a delightful giveaway. 🙂 Thanks, Sarah!
Thanks, Kiersti! It was fun to put together!
I never really thought about the Royal Families involvement in the war efforts. I was always focused on Americas side of the war since I am a Military Spouse and Military Brat
Britain’s role in WWII is fascinating! I’m glad you enjoyed this glimpse.
My favorite genre…thank you for the info! Can’t wait for Saturday!
Thanks, Mary!
Sarah – I so appreciate the research that you do. The history is very interesting. Thanks.
I find it fascinating!
Factual and enjoyable blog post. We were in London in 1973 – shortly after the wedding of Princes Anne. It was still a very excited city. A sweet lady on the bus gave me information about how I could go see all the wedding gifts on display – wished there had been time to do that!
What an exciting time to be in London!
I loved the history of Britian during WWII, it put things in perspective.
Thank you, Nelda!
Your books get better and better!
Thank you, Nick!
Great post, Sarah! I love all this background information. I did not know that Princess Elizabeth served in the war. Fascinating! Thanks!
Isn’t it interesting?
Sounds like a lot of fun to me! I love reading historical fiction and have quite a few books focused on WW2. And to learn that the future Queen of England actually served during the war was amazing! Thanks for the info!
Thanks, Dee Ann! And thanks for stopping by!
I enjoyed all of this history, and especially these wonderful photos! Hoping to watch the Royal Wedding.
Thank you, Becky!
Love the chance of winning a book . Thank You. I enjoyed reading the above story about the WW2 happenings and have read books by other authors and the suffering in England. England was a brave nation and it’s people who worked together to save their country. The RAF and its fliers were some of the most courageous men in history. Winston Churchill was one of the most grand leaders of WW2.
I agree with everything you said 🙂
I have been a true royalist since Diana first came on the scene. Ever since then, I have followed the English royal family and read and reviewed so many biographies and other books about them. I love it!
Wonderful! I woke up in the middle of the night as a teenager to watch Charles and Diana’s wedding, so I relate 🙂
Love the history of British. Thanks
Thanks, Glenda!
I love to read about Elizabeth and her life. Such an amazing woman. I have watched The Crown in addition to lots of reading! Like your book ladies.
Thanks, Vicki! Queen Elizabeth is an incredible woman.
Such a great post! Thanks for sharing the information. Loved The Sea Before Us and looking forward to the next in the series.
Thank you so much!
Thank you. Loved your history about the Royal family’s history. My Father served in England during WW11 during the war. I have relatives living in England. I can vaguely remember the Queens coronation.
What a wonderful history you have!
your book mark and cover were great they went well with the ladies i gave them two and libary here in town
i would love to read the books and if they are in audio i do thsoe two
Thank you, Desiree! And The Sea Before Us just released on audiobook today!
This was very interesting to read about the Royal family’s involvement in World War II. Thanks also for this fantastic giveaway. I’ve read Sarah’s book but want to read the other books as well.
Thank you, Pam! I’ve read several of these books – and they’re wonderful!
I loved the bookmarks and postcards you sent for our church library. They have been a big hit! Thank you for them and the opportunity to win these great books!!! God bless you and yours.
You’re welcome! Thank you for distributing them!
Just finished reading about the KingVI and Queen and the history. It was very interesting.It has been a while since I have read any History and I do so love history.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Belinda!
I love to read and learn about the royal family.
Me too!
Enjoyed the history. I did not realize the Princess Elizabeth had done mechanic work.
Isn’t that fascinating?
I love reading your books so much. Makes me remember my Dad and his days in the war. He was on the Yorktown when it was sunk in the battle of Midway.
Oh my! What a story.
Thank you for the interesting history of the Royal family. I love reading anything historical – fiction or nonfiction. I’ve so enjoyed each series you have written and am looking forward to your next book.
Thank you, Susan! I’m glad you’re enjoying the stories!
I just love reading about WW11. My parents went to England in 1970 and were so impressed with everything they saw. The people were so friendly. My Dad was in the Lion’s Club and met a couple in sister group from my Dad’s in NJ. They were so helpful. They became great friends. My Mother’s name is Margaret Elizabeth and she always felt special having the Princess’ names. Can’t wait for your next book to come out. Oh my mom had a Scottie dog like Dorothy.
What a lovely name! I’ve enjoyed my visits to Britain too – and I’ve always loved Scotties 🙂
I would be so excited to win this giveaway. Thank you for offering it during this exciting “Royal Wedding” time. I very much enjoyed reading the history in your blog. I didn’t realize Queen Elizabeth first became interested in her future husband when she was 13. Very interesting.
I just learned that when researching this article – I love it!
Wow! I used to livr in England for 11 years and never knew any of this! Thanks so much for the wonderful post and giveaway!
Thank you, Victoria! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Love this giveaway! My daughter sent me your newest book “The Sea Before Us”. Looking forward to reading it and excited about the next one coming out in this series! Thanks again!
Thank you! Happy reading, Grace!
This time period is fascinating. I’ve been studying/reading about it since I was a teen (but you already knew that.) ? I’m glad you’re writing more books. I really enjoy them.
Thank you so much, Lara!
Interesting post. The Royal Family is a fascinating subject.
They are! I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
Thank you for the opportunity…but sorry to say, I hate robocopter. This one wasn’t as long as some. Often, I don’t enter if it is too long & involved. I love books, but they are not worth all the gyrations some authors ask of readers. (Hope no one is throwing rotten apples…just sayin’)
Thank you so much for the opportunity to try and win !!
Thank you, Penny!
Thank you for all the great info on the royal family. Knew most of this, but learned even more after reading the post. Recently returned from 3 weeks in the UK visiting family and friends where the excitement was high in anticipation of the wedding. My British friends continue to celebrate well into the night .British hubby up since 4 a.m. to get the ceremony here. Would be happy to win any of these novels. Thank you for the giveaway.
How exciting to have been there now! Thanks for stopping by, Pat!