In 1935 King George V celebrated his Silver Jubilee. Britain was considered one of the strongest nations, having an imposing Empire that, unlike most of others, survived World War I. King George was extremely respected by his subjects and the Silver Jubilee represented an enormous display of affection towards the sovereign, who thanked his people for their love. The Royal Family attended a Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Princesses of York were also there with their parents, watching for the first time an impressive display of pomp and circumstance, which they would get used to see during their lives.

Few months later, however, the King was extremely ill, and the country feared for his health. He would die on the 20th January 1936, leaving a whole empire in mourning. The new king was the then Prince of Wales, Edward, who became King Edward VIII. He was extremely loved by his people and in Britain few were aware of the problems his relationship with a twice-divorcee American, Mrs. Wallis Simpson, would cause.

After the first months of reign, the British press began talking about the sovereign’s relationship with Mrs. Simpson and the problem rose in the United Kingdom. The talks began between the Prime Minister and the King, the first trying to get Edward VIII out of that relationship which could affect the Monarchy, furthermore because the Church of England did not accept this prospected wedding and the King was its Head. Everyone had understood the crisis and there was no way out for King Edward, who decided to abdicate on 10th December 1936, having reigned less than a year.

The new King was the Duke of York, Albert, who decided to reign as George VI, what instantly marked a relation with his father, who had been extremely loved. The former Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was, therefore, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India. King George VI gave his brother the title of Duke of Windsor (he would marry Mrs. Simpson later, but although she did became Duchess of Windsor she was never given the title of Her Royal Highness), and it is understood that Queen Elizabeth never forgave Edward for having passed the “heavy burden of responsibility” to his brother, and did never pardon the Duchess of Windsor for having caused the abdication crisis.

For the first time in centuries there was fear for the continuity of the monarchy. The crisis was deep and the love for the institution was severely damaged. No one could understand how a King had been able to put his private interests before the nation’s interests. The fear was for the condemnation of the monarchy, as so many others had been overthrown in the years immediately before. In a letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the new Queen wrote:

"I can hardly now believe that we have been called to this tremendous task, and the curious thing is that we are not afraid. I feel that God has enabled us to face this situation calmly."

King Edward VIII’s broadcast to the nation after signing his abdication:

“At long last I am able to say a few words of my own. I have never wanted to withhold anything, but until now it has not been constitutionally possible for me to speak.

“A few hours ago I discharged my last duty as King and Emperor, and now that I have been succeeded by my brother, The Duke of York, my first words must be to declare my allegiance to him. This I do with all my heart.

“You all know the reasons which have impelled me to renounce the Throne. But I want you to understand that in making up my mind I did not forget the country or the Empire which as Prince of Wales, and lately as King, I have for twenty-five years tried to serve. But you must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love. (...)

“This decision has been made less difficult to me by the sure knowledge that my brother, with his long training in the public affairs of this country and with his fine qualities, will be able to take my place forthwith, without interruption or injury to the life and progress of the Empire. And he has one matchless blessing, enjoyed by so many of you and not bestowed on me - a happy home with his wife and children. (...)

“And now we all have a new King. I wish him, and you, his people, happiness and prosperity with all my heart. God bless you all. God Save The King.”

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