King George and Queen Mary: The Royals Who Rescued the Monarchy
Elizabeth II’s grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, had a huge influence on the beloved British monarch. As this insightful history documentary series reveals,
George and Mary were pioneering, forward thinking royals who rescued the monarchy from potential disaster. Adored by the public, they were the epitome of regal duty, but often failed when it came to family matters.
Watch King George and Queen Mary: The Royals Who Rescued the Monarchy and more acclaimed documentaries on BBC Select today. Restrictions apply*.
King George and Queen Mary: The Royals Who Rescued the Monarchy on BBC Select
King George V
King George was an innovative, understanding monarch but a bullying, flawed father. After WWI, King George V turned out to be a remarkable innovator, creating the House of Windsor and embracing democratic reform. As a parent, however, he was far less successful, bullying and alienating his children. By contrast, he had a loving relationship with his granddaughter, and much of Queen Elizabeth II’s style and commitment to duty can be traced back to his influence.
Queen Mary
When King George died, Queen Mary transformed into a beloved, inspirational royal. Despite their arranged marriage, King George and Queen Mary had a loving relationship. Mary obeyed her husband in all things, even the length of her dresses. She always put duty and service first. But when King George died in 1936, this once rigidly formal character emerged as a determined, if eccentric, royal matriarch with a mind of her own, who helped to save the future of the House of Windsor.
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