King George VI died on the day of my uncle Wilf's funeral in Leeds. I was a student at Leeds Uni and begged off lectures to attend. On the way home, I saw the 2 local papers had placards saying 'Death of the King' and The king dies' - his death was a shock, as his illness had been kept from the public.At the house, many people attending hadn't heard the news, via 'wireless' only in those days, and were stunned when informed. The BBC cancelled all 'entertainment' programmes, and put out mainly solemn music, for which they were much criticised. The King had been much admired for his role in the war, but he was rather a remote figure, seen on newsreels only on ceremonial occasions, the last of which was his attendance at his daughter's departure for Kenya, in his place. I also recall how strange it seemed to see the new Queen descend from the plane already in mourning black. I later learnt that members of the royal family travelling abroad always have a set of mourning clothes with them, just in case.
Arnold Saxton ● 1473d