Despite how King George VI unexpectedly became king, he was a symbol of continuity and stability during the Second World War, which began just three years into his reign, Harris says.

The Coronation of King George VI – King Charles's grandfather – took place on May 12, 1937 against a troubling backdrop of uncertainty about the future of monarchy in Britain.

The King did grow closer to his son Prince Albert (later King George VI) and in 1935 is said to have remarked: "I pray to God my eldest son will never marry and have children, and that nothing ...

King Charles echoed the words of his grandfather to mark VE Day as he made a historic speech to mark 80 years since the end of World War II.