King George VI , Queen Elizabeth and Princess Elizabeth view a military parade at Buckingham Palace on March 26, 1944. Photo: Popperfoto via Getty ImagesWhen the future King George VI learned that his brother had decided to abdicate, he sobbed for an hour on the shoulder of his mother, Queen Mary. Next in line to the monarchy, he had no desire to become king. The tales of Edward VIII’s abdication and George VI’s reluctant ascent to the throne are well known. But now two engaging books bring to the stories a fresh—and timely—perspective.

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