4 Royal Births that Changed the Course of the British Monarchy

The birth of Baby Cambridge garnered much media attention the world over, but whether he'll change the course of the British monarchy or not, we do not know yet, although we expect him to rule as ably as her great-grandma Queen Elizabeth II. Let's take a look back at the royal births who made history and shaped the way the see the British monarchy today.

Elizabeth II, born 1926

Queen Elizabeth II

When Queen Elizabeth II was born in 1926, little did everyone know that the elder daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York would one day ascend the British throne. Her uncle David, Prince of Wales, was the most eligible bachelor in the realm and it was hoped he would father a child and heir. But it never happened. He abdicated as King Edward VIII in 1936 and the throne passed on to Elizabeth's father, who reigned as George VI, making her heiress presumptive. Her own shining moment came in 1952, when she succeeded as Queen.
George VI, born 1895

King George VI. Image: Wikimedia Commons

George VI was the second son of George V. Just like her daughter, little was expected of the shy and introvert Bertie to become king one day. But the most unexpected happened in 1936, when as Duke of York, he inherited the throne and saw the British Empire make it through World War II.

George V, born 1864

King George V. Image: Wikimedia Commons

George V was the second son of Albert Edward Prince of Wales, who reigned as Edward VII. When he was born, he was only next to his elder brother, the Duke of Clarence, in line of succession, whose untimely death propelled him as a direct heir to the throne.

Queen Victoria, born 1819

Queen Victoria by Melville. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Queen Victoria's birth, as well as that of two other royal babies, provided the House of Hanover with a brand new generation of heirs, which should have died after the death of Princess Charlotte in 1817. A series of deaths within the royal family, including that of Victoria's father placed her as the heiress presumptive of the ailing King William IV. Her reign ushered the Victorian Age, an era synonymous with the height of British political, economic and maritime rule. Through her children and grandchildren, Victoria populated most of Europe's thrones.

About the Author

Christian George Acevedo is a librarian, mentor, and scholar of wide-ranging interests. He has authored hundreds of articles for various websites, and his expertise ranges from online marketing and finance to history, entertainment and many more. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Tumblr. Contact Christian at powerwordsonlinewriting@gmail.com.