Who was King George V and what is Royal House of Windsor on Channel 4 about?
KING George V was King of Britain and Ireland as well as Emperor of India when the Empire was at its height - extending over a quarter of Earth's total land area.
But he also reigned during World War 1 when family ties to the German Royal Family became something of an embarrassment, prompting a re-branding exercise for The Royals.
Who was King George V?
George V was not known to have a big personality.
But he did have enough sense to keep the Monarchy afloat during a world war and the rise of Communism and Fascism.
He was born into the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in 1865 and was Queen Victoria's grandchild.
Together with his wife Queen Mary, he reigned during a very stormy period in British history, dying in 1936, just three years before World War.
He was also a reluctant king - having never expected the role.
But after the death of his brother, he was in line to become Monarch when their dad died. He was coronated in 1910.
Why did he change the royal family's name to Windsor?
By 1917, the third year of World War 1, anti-German feeling was at its height.
Losses in the trenches were unrelenting and that year London was bombed by Germany's new Gotha G.IV.
And since his family name was the German sounding Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, George V decided to rename the family after the Berkshire town hosting the ancient royal castle - Windsor.
He also wanted to fit in with the British public who were struggling with the war, visiting them at home and on the front, as well as eating the same rationed food and not buying new clothes.
Who were his children and grandchildren?
While King George V lived through a turbulent time, his children came to age right slap bang in the Great Depression, the rise of the Nazis and World War 2.
He had six children: Albert, Henry, Edward, John, Mary and George.
But two in particular lived remarkable lives.
When George V died in 1936, his son, Edward, was crowned King.
But when Edward was told he could not marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson and remain on the throne he abdicated.
This was huge scandal at the time because Kings were expected to serve the people not their love lives.
After stepping down he toured Germany and met Adolf Hitler - which was understandably controversial.
His brother George - the father of the present Queen Elizabeth II - was crowned King in his place.
But he was a nervous and, like his father, a reluctant king.
He also spoke with a stammer which caused him embarrassment.
This was because he was expected to speak on the radio and at public events.
After therapy he overcame his stutter enough to make rousing speeches during World War 2.
His triumph over adversity in a way reassured and inspired the nation.
What is Channel 4's Royal House of Windsor about?
The Royal House of Windsor charts the last 100 years of history in the British monarchy.
It’s a period that encompasses two world wars and huge changes in society, all set to be explored across six hour-long episodes.
The documentary promises tantalising insights from “family insiders, royal experts, and some of the most closely-guarded papers in the world”.
There are even scenes show inside the family archives at Windsor.
The sixth and final episode airs tonight.
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