George VI (14 December 1895 – 6 February 1952) was born Albert Frederick Arthur George Windsor.  He was the king  of the United Kingdom from 11 December 1936 until he died. He became king when his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated in1936to marry Wallis Simpson. George was married to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon from 1923 until his death. He was succeeded as monarch by his elder daughter, Elizabeth. George became a very popular king throughout the British Empire. He won admiration during World War II (1939–1945), in which he stayed at Buckingham Palace during the most intense months of the Blitz. The Palace was bombed more than twice but he still remained, becoming a symbol of resistance and "fighting spirit". He enjoyed a close working relationship with his wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill, inviting him to join the Royal Family on Victory in Europe Day (1945) to celebrate the defeat of the Nazis.A heavy smoker, George died of lung cancer and was given a state funeral. He was fifty-six years old.