King George VI suffered from a debilitating stutter from the age of 8. It made speaking difficult and speaking in public...humiliating.
His stutter, and his inherent shyness, affected his relationship with his father...and almost lost him his bride. It made him want to hide from the world. But as a King this was impossible.
George VI was known as ‘The reluctant King.’ He inherited his throne only because his brother renounced it. Edward VIII abdicated after only 327 days; George was to spend the rest of his life on the throne and in the public eye.
George’s accession to the throne came at a time when technology and history collided. George VI was the first King in an age of mass media, through the air waves he could speak to millions of his people, live...and in their own homes.
For the first time in history a King not only needed to look the part but sound it too; he represents his country and defines his country – in times of peace and, for George VI, in times of war. But how would this man, so physically ill equipped, it made people question his ability to be a King, succeed?
‘The Real King’s Speech’ will examine the speeches made by King George VI using his 1938 Ibrox Colonial Exhibition speech, his Coronation Day speech and his speech to the Empire that same day. His other speeches would include his speech on the outbreak of WWII and his VE Day speech.
We’ll examine and contrast these speeches with those of his brother David, a natural performer. For both men in speaking publicly – one renouncing his throne, the other accepting it, had to conquer their own demons and reveal themselves in a way a King never had to before.
Through the speeches we’ll explore the relationships between the brothers and in turn their relationship with their father George V; the first King to speak on radio and television to his subjects.
The programme will use the primary material of Royal speeches, interviews with royal historians, members of the Logue family and former royal staff.
"The Real King's Speech" premiered on Channel 4 in the UK at 9pm, where it was watched by over 3.1 million viewers and achieved a 13% share.
“The Real King’s Speech” premiered on Channel 4 in the UK at 9pm on 23rd February 2011, where it was watched by over 3.1 million viewers and achieved a 13% share. Broadcast on ABC1 (Australia) on 5th May 2011, The Real King’s Speech won its 8.30pm slot and was watched by 1,049,000 viewers, substantially exceeding the channel average.