The House of Windsor at 100: the Monarchs

The House of Windsor is about to mark its centenary. On July 17th 1917, George V issued a royal proclamation changing the name of his family and his house from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha due to growing anti German sentiment in World War One. From that moment onwards, the dynasty was known as Windsor. This month, the major milestone of 100 is reached. To mark the occasion, there will be a series of special posts on the blog between now and the anniversary. Some are opinion, others are photos and some, like this one, reflections on the story of a dynasty that began because of public pressure, wobbled considerably and righted itself to produce the longest reign Britain has ever known and a throne enjoying stability almost 1,000 years after the modern monarchy began. We start with a look at its four monarchs - welcome to the centenary of the House of Windsor.

King George V

First King of the House of Winsdor

Reigned May 6th 1910 - January 20th 1936

Born George Frederick Ernest Albert on June 3rd 1865

Married Mary of Teck on July 6th 1893

Succeeded Edward VII on May 6th 1910

Created The House of Windsor by Royal Proclamation on July 17th 1917

Died January 20th 1936

King Edward VIII

Second King of the House of Windsor

Reigned January 20th 1936 - December 11th 1936

Born Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David on June 23rd 1894

Succeeded George V on January 20th 1936

Abdicated on December 11th 1936

Created Duke of Windsor on December 12th 1936

Married Wallis Warfield Simpson on June 3rd 1937

Died May 28th 1972

King George VI

Third King of the House of Windsor

Reigned December 11th 1936 - February 6th 1952

Born Albert Frederick Arthur George on December 14th 1895

Married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon on April 26th 1923

Succeeded Edward VIII on December 11th 1936

Died February 6th 1952

Queen Elizabeth II

Only Queen Regnant (so far) of the House of Windsor

Reigned February 6th 1952 - 

Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21st 1926

Married Philip Mountbatten on November 20th 1947

Succeeded George VI on February 6th 1952

Became the longest reigning Monarch in British history on September 9th 2015