Card of the Day: His Majesty, King George V

Is it possible that my people live in such awful conditions? I tell you, Mr Wheatley, that if I had to live in conditions like that I would be a revolutionary myself.
--King George V

The penultimate card in the Silver Jubilee series of 1935 by Wills’s Cigarette Company features a portrait of King George V. Upon George V’s accession to the throne, he was faced with a difficult choice—which direction to take his reign. His grandmother, Queen Victoria, was one of the most beloved monarchs in the history of Britain. His father, King Edward VII, was applauded not for his politics, but for his sense of fun and grandeur and the elegance that he brought to the court. What would define George’s reign? Furthermore, how would his consort, Queen Mary, define her role? Her predecessor, Queen Alexandra, was known for her beauty and her compassion, but was also considered quite detached from the Empire. Mary was a more sensible person. Though she was considered rather dull by the people who had enjoyed the long parties given during the reign of Edward VII, everyone agreed that Queen Mary’s quiet dignity was more than admirable.

King George V and Queen Mary let their natural sensibilities guide them in the earliest days of their reign and they quickly realized that their greatest passion was ensuring the safety and comfort of the people of the Empire—nor from afar, but directly and honestly.

While today, we’re used to images of the Royal Family interacting with everyday people, at the time of George V’s accession in 1910, such hands-on involvement was unheard of. Within a few years, the people of Britain embraced King George V and Queen Mary as the King and Queen literally visited people in their homes, took tea in their kitchens, went to their places of work and tried to assess if the common man was truly living a comfortable and safe life. Such direct involvement was a new concept and one which has served to define the role of the Royal Family in Britain ever since.

This card features a handsome portrait of King George. The reverse of the card reads:

HIS MAJESTY, THE KING


Here is a recent portrait of the King who has reigned over a great Empire for twenty-five years. Hallam, the historian, said that the English have been fortunate in their Rulers, and during the past troubled quarter of a century, the nation has ever been sustained by the Royal guidance. These years have seen the most gigantic of wars, the British Dominions grow to independent status, profound constitutional and social upheavals, and the disappearance of ancient Dynasties; yet in the midst of change the British Throne stands firm in the people's affection. More fervently than ever on this happy anniversary, His Majesty's subjects throughout the world unite in the loyal prayer: "God save the King!"

I was excited to find a copy of this recording of an address made by the King and Queen to the children of Britain which demonstrates the familial manner in which they addressed their people.