George VI the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, J. H. Thomas. King George V had severe reservations about Prince Edward, saying "After I am dead, the boy will ruin himself in twelve months" and "I pray God that my eldest son will never marry and that nothing will come between Bertie and Lilibet and the throne." On 20 January 1936, George V died and Edward ascended the throne as King Edward VIII. In the Vigil of the Princes, Prince Albert and his three brothers took a shift standing guard over their father's body as it lay in state, in a closed
George Edward Cates Bouchavesnes, France during which he was killed. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum, Winchester, England. George Edward Cates George Edward Cates VC (9 May 1892 – 8 March 1917) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Cates was born on 9 May 1892 to George and Alice Ann Cates, of Wimbledon, London. He was 24 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's