The King's Speech (24 page)

It is not clear if the King was ever passed McCreadie’s advice – let alone if he tried to implement it.

One of George VI’s first broadcasts as King in 1937

The Logue family relaxing by the tennis courts at Beechgrove, Sydenham Hill
From left: unidentified guest, Antony, Lionel, unidentified guest, Valentine, Myrtle

The Royal Family in Coronation robes. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth with their daughters Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. The King gave Lionel this framed portrait as a gift

A selection of Christmas cards from the Royal Family. The Logues would continue to receive a card every year until the King’s death

The speech broadcast on the outbreak of war on 3 September 1939. This is the actual speech from which the King read, annotated by Lionel to indicate the pauses the King should make, as well as highlighting any potentially tricky words

A selection of letters from the King to Lionel, showing his friendly concern for his health, along with the telegram he sent after Myrtle’s death

After the King’s death in February 1952, the newspapers gave a dramatic spin to the story of his relationship with Lionel

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Dunkirk and the Dark Days

The evacuation from Dunkirk was one of the Allies’ lowest points during World War Two