King George V passed away eighty- nine years ago today, on January 20, 1936. Queen Elizabeth II’s grandfather was monarch for twenty-six years after significantly modernizing the monarchy.

King George V Made An Enormous Impact On The History Of The Royal Family

The King changed the royal family’s name to Windsor, which was applied not only to the name of the “House” or “dynasty” but also became their official surname.

George V also started the annual Christmas radio broadcast tradition and made the monarchy more accessible to the public and working class. He navigated Britain through the First World War. As King, he accomplished a great deal.

His importance to the history of the monarchy is part of why the circumstances of his death have been closely examined, and claims were made fifty years following his passing.

In 1986, it was revealed that George V had been “euthanized” by his doctor,...