Edward's abdication was the worst possible news for his younger brother, Bertie, Duke of York. Happily married with two young daughters, he longed for a quiet country life. Now, duty compelled him to be King. On May 12, 1937, he was crowned George VI (taking his father's name for continuity). The remarkable strength of his vivacious wife, Elizabeth (the future Queen Mum), helped him find a new confidence and poise. World War II and the blitz that threatened to destroy London revealed him as a modest but unwavering hero. Also in this episode, we meet the two young princesses. The 10-year-old Elizabeth, on her father's coronation, becomes the new heir to the throne. She marries Prince Philip in 1947 and has two children, Charles and Anne. On June 2, 1953 she was crowned Queen Elizabeth II. The House of Windsor was in safe hands (and still is!)
