My paternal grandfather said that King George V was “England.” “This old King’s heart beat with England,” he used to say. As I grew older, I learned why he felt that way. My grandfather appreciated his methodical, conservative thinking and his absolute devotion to all things British: tradition, leg of lamb, roast beef and Yorkshire Pudding, and Queen Mary’s hem line and toques! AND HE HATED CHANGE. He was the antithesis of his father, King Edward VII and his son, the Duke of Windsor (Edward VIII). He was devoted to his mother, Queen Alexandra, and his sister, Princess Victoria. He despised unnecessary pomp, but loved his days with his horse Jock at Sandringham House in Norfolk. During the most difficult days of World War I, this amazing king stood firm and resolute in the face of great threats and even heavy criticism at home. When accused of being too German, he changed the name of the Royal House from Saxe Coburg and Gotha (Prince Albert’s German name) to the House of Windsor–a name that is absolutely British and as solid as the foundations of a castle which has stood firm for a thousand years. He resisted the “easy morals” of the 1920′s and guided Britain through one of the most severe economic periods in the world’s history. His granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, called him “Grandpa England.” My grandfather felt that it is he who designed the British Monarchy that we see today: its customs, its traditions, and its routines. I loved my grandfather, and I take his word for all this; he knew a good man, and he loved the old King.
Thanks to the RWCS website for these images of Windsor Castle. They are brilliant.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
