World War II and The Windsors

World War II came upon the United Kingdom in a slow and deliberate manner. It was declared on September 1, 1939, the day that Hitler invaded Poland. It was referred to as the "War of Nerves" or the "Phoney War" during the following six months as that's how long it took for Hitler to make his next move - the invasion of Denmark and Norway on April 9, 1940. It was during this uncertain time that King George VI delivered his moving Christmas Broadcast. "I feel that we may all find a message of encouragement in the lines which, in my closing words, I should like to say to you: I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied, "Go out into the darkness, and put your hand in the Hand of God. That shall be better than light, and safer than a known way." May that Almighty Hand guide and uphold us all." This is the first major indication of the support, courage and leadership that George VI and Queen Elizabeth would give to their subjects during this horrific period in the world's history.

His courageous acts came in many forms. Not the least being the number of monarchs he was willing to risk rescuing. He sent a British warship to Norway to rescue King Haakon VII and his only son, Crown Prince Olav who took up residence with the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace. Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands was also brought to Buckingham Palace via a destroyer. The baptism of her youngest grandchild, Princess Irene, took place in the chapel at Buckingham Palace on May 31st. George VI offered his country as a safe haven to King Leopold of Belgium, after receiving a note that Leopold III intended to surrender. George VI felt strongly that Leopold should leave Belgium and establish his government elsewhere. Leopold felt obligated to stay with the army to which he was Commander-in-Chief. Though this error in judgment created Leopold the nickname "The Traitor King", George VI insisted that he continue to receive 'all the honours, privileges and respect due him.'*

George VI not only showed respect to his royal relatives, he showed it to his subjects as well. He and Queen Elizabeth were famous for their daily visits to the bombed out sections of London. For the most part, people were comforted by the presence of their King and Queen who remained in London with their subjects during the blitzkrieg. The few detractors would criticize a minor thing like the Queen's wardrobe. The Queen believed in wearing her best dress and hat when visiting her subjects for in her opinion she was visiting their homes and she felt sure they would never visit her in anything less than their best. Her taking the time to dress for these visits was her way of showing her respect. Their supporters - the greater part of the population - were buoyed by their concern and obvious compassion. The people were equally concerned for Their Majesties safety especially in light of the fact that Buckingham Palace itself was bombed nine times during the war. Two of Queen Elizabeth's most famous quotes were made during this time. One remark was made after the first bombing of Buckingham Palace, "I'm glad we've been bombed, it makes me feel I can look the East End in the face." The second was a reaction to the suggestion that the royal family needed to go to Canada where they would be safe. She said, "The children could not go without me, I could not possible leave the King, and the King would never go."

Being with the people and seeing all they had faced, their sacrifices, their losses and their courage, moved King George deeply. So much so that in a radio broadcast on September 23, 1940 he announced with pride to his subjects, "Many and glorious are the deeds of gallantry done during these perilous but famous days. In order that they should be worthily and promptly recognized, I have decided to create a new mark of honour for men and women in all walks of civilian life. I propose to give my name to this new distinction."** By this act, the creation of the George Cross and the George Medal, George VI was able to convey his respect and pride in his people. He spent a good deal of time visiting troops and pinning medals on the military citizens as well. He bravely went to the sites where the action was taking place to personally thank the soldiers who were willing to give their lives for their countries. He was a hands-on leader at home and abroad.

Another way that George VI showed his courage was at the tragic death of his younger brother, George, Duke of Kent, was killed in a plane crash on August 25, 1942. There are many theories on what caused the crash from enemy infiltration to mis-calibrated instruments. Not knowing what really caused the accident or whether the Duke died instantly or hours later while waiting for a rescue team could not have been very comforting to the family. Theo Aronson quotes a historian of the time as stating, "Once again, this time in the fullest possible sense, the Royal Family identified itself with the people and their war efforts." The Royal Family identified itself with the people by living as their subjects had to. In her memoir "The Little Princesses" nanny Marion Crawford recounts the fact that due to food rationings they got one egg a week each. She shares how cold it was due to not wasting fuel on heat. She tells of the recycling of old dresses, the tending to gardens, the knitting of sweaters and the efforts she and the princesses made in raising money through their pantomimes. The Windsors, side by side with their subjects, faced the hardships of the war. Through their actions they helped to bring the people through a devastating period in history. Their faith sustained, their dedication moved and their courage inspired.

* From a conversation between Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Theo Aronson as quoted in his book, "The Windsors at War".
** Also from "The Windsors at War" by Theo Aronson.

Many have been comparing the tragic events of WWII, such as the bombing of Pearl Harbor, to the horrific events of 11 September 2001. It got me thinking about the news reels I'd seen of the Windsors, the Roosevelts and Winston Churchill all of whom played a key role in defeating the aggressors. I watched a tape I'd made of the Great Romances of the 20the Century with George VI and Elizabeth visiting the bombed out cities, etc. I re-read some things in "The Little Princesses" by Marion Crawford and also I re-read sections of the 'Windsors at War" by Theo Aronson. There are many parallels - the shock of Pearl Harbor, the support of nations who when called upon backed down, the trauma and disbelief of the people, etc. My prayer remains - as did the peoples in 1939 - that a peaceful solution can be found. If that is not the case - as in 1939 - I pray that we have the leadership needed to swiftly correct the problem.

My thoughts continue to be with all those who have lost friends and family, are displaced from their homes, unable to work and for the brave men and women who continue their courageous efforts on behalf of the victims.

All the best,