Born on 3rd June 1865 in London, George was the second son of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, who was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. As a son of the Prince of Wales, George was became "His Royal Highness Prince George of Wales" at birth.
When George was twelve years old, he joined the Navy training ship HMS Britannia at Dartmouth, Devon. From 1879, when George was 14, he served as a midshipman on HMS Bacchante - they toured colonies in the Caribbean, South Africa, Australia, and visited Virginia, South America, the Mediterranean, Egypt, and the Far East. George travelled the world, and served actively until 1891.
After the death of his brother in 1892, George gave up his naval career, and was was created Duke of York by Queen Victoria. He married Princess Victoria Mary of Teck (known as "May") in 1893, and had five sons and a daughter. On 22 January 1901, George's father ascended the throne as King Edward VII.
Shortly after, George and May toured the British Empire. They visited South Africa, Canada, the Colony of Newfoundland, Australia and New Zealand, among others. In November, George was given access to state documents by his father, who wanted to prepare him to become king.
When his father died in 1910, George became King. The coronation was held on 22nd June 1911, and was celebrated by the Festival of Empire in London. George continued his reign as King throughout the First World War, changing the name of the British Royal House to "Windsor"', due to the anti-German feeling.
George was seriously injured on 28 October 1915 during the First World War - he was thrown by his horse at a troop review in France. He was also a heavy smoking, which gave him recurring breathing problems. He never fully recovered, and passed away on 20th January 1936.
George can be seen studying at the Royal Naval College in Greenwich in 1884, and is listed on the 'Alexandra' in the Mediterranean in 1888.
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