George VI (1895-1952), father of Queen Elizabeth II. He became king unexpectedly when his brother Edward VII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson. He had a terrible stammer, but nevertheless gave speeches and radio broadcasts. A heavy smoker, he had a lung removed when a malignant tumor was discovered. He died of coronary thrombosis at the age of 56. His wife, the Queen Mother, outlived him by 50 years.
