The Real King's Speech - King George VI - September 3, 1939

[@Yanoss1313]

I never before realized just how faithful Colin Firth's portrayal was to the real King George VI.

[@VirusTornado]

Yeah holy balls wow

[@davidw.2791]

VirusTornado I wonder how "Orson Krennic" would play him in the Gary Oldman Churchill flick. ;) (Mendolsen looks a lot more like the real Bertie btw.)

[@stanislausklim7794]

Although the actual recording didn't have "a-people"

[@tyonamin]

+Ozzie Game Guys The way Firth said "reverently" was very much identical to King George VI's.

[@markharrison2544]

Firth looked and sounded nothing like him.

[@okeyproctor4564]

Forget for a moment he's a king. Imagine for a moment he's a human being with a task that seems beyond his reach. Think for a moment how agonizing it would be, that your personal task, the one thing you must do for your people, is at the mercy of your greatest weakness. And realize that almost no one thinks you capable to live up to the challenge. That is the universal tale of heroism: the hero manages to do what must be done, at the moment it is needed most. For this man, it was something as simple as a speech. It doesn't diminish the accomplishment.

[@DavidEsotica]

Well said.

[@brianentwistle7619]

Wonderfully stated. This task does not only apply to kings or presidents or leaders of any kind, it applies to every person who works for peace and justice and equality for everyone. This is a timeless need - and I suspect that this 'dream' is often overcome by our own greatest weakness -the fear of failure. Another great leader said, "we have nothing to fear but fear itself". We may not be capable of great making great speeches but we are capable of respect toward each other every day.

[@felipemaiden13]

especially when the only thing an entire nation needs, in the dark times of War, is to hear the voice of their lider, their King.

[@opelske]

So true, and beautifully stated.

[@joeherm]

This reflects a great wisdom within you. Well spoken, thank you.

[@QuantumBraced]

As a stutterer, I feel incredibly empathetic to his delivering of this speech. I actually have the exact same blocks that he has. As he was speaking, I imagined I was saying the words and I stopped in the exact same spots he did, anticipating I couldn't say words like "peoples" and "purpose". His techniques to pause and say "a-" before a word etc. are all excellent, very good execution. His speech therapist was amazing.

[@radoodledoo]

QuantumBraced i stammer on W’s like he does too

[@GisherJohn24]

I stutter and cry when I hear him knowing how well he did, happy cries

[@lothiaskane2614]

I wouldn't have thought that he had a stutter problem. If anything, the pace at with he delivers his speech makes it sound more dignified.

[@nanibridgewater2253]

QuantumBraced i used to have a crippling stutter and went to speech therapy for 6 years and I still have a very subtle stutter. I wish I learned more about my stutter instead of being told to fix it

[@TungstenCarbideProjectile]

I was his speech therapist. And I is king George VI.

[@BetterToDIY]

Lionel, "You still stammered on the W.... King George VI, "I had to throw in a few so they knew it was me."

[@thegreenbaron6439]

Fun fact: the king actually said that. The wife of Lionel gave the filmmakers his journal. The film makers rewrote almost half the film for historical accuracy. That little exchange with this quote was real.

[@bobdole4916]

@@thegreenbaron6439 That's lovely. Really shows how good his sense of humor was and how close he was with Lionel that he felt comfortable actually showing that part of himself.

[@brianjohnson2240]

The wife of Lionel died in the 40s

[@reichtangle7734]

@@brianjohnson2240 his son or grandson gave it to them, it’s on yt.

[@dave86hooch]

@@thegreenbaron6439 I very much doubt the wife of Lionel Logue(Myrtle Logue) gave the filmmakers his journal as she died in 1945...try again

[@ChristieAdamsKangoo]

You can hear him picking up momentum and confidence as the speech progresses. Bravo, Your Majesty.

[@andreasegde]

His speech impediment actually helped. He didn't speak like Mussolini, or Hitler (with their pulsating aggression), but spoke in a careful and moderated way. This always has more strength than any loud, violent outbursts can ever be.

[@SenyorCapitàCollons]

Appearances can lie. Spain had Franco and his way of speaking was so calmed, yet he was still a dictator.

[@bathroomsexmurder]

Lol yea Hitler was famously terrible at public speaking ffs

[@SenyorCapitàCollons]

Also, Hitler and Mussolini spoke with that aggression on purpose.

[@richardgarno6591]

It depends on one’s audience

[@claudiomaglio5885]

another way to say okkaayy? Yep!! I agree!!

[@thesamuraihobbit]

Colin Firth got his voice down to the T.

[@Ashamedofmyself]

Insane right?

[@ave789]

Apart from the W's, obviously.

[@helenng9608]

wt does that mean? Does it mean colin imitate his voice?

[@DoctorGaga87]

MR. Shpee It means he did a great job of sounding like him.

[@richardlawson4317]

Didn't look like the King at all. Casting didn't event TRY.

[@taralang8854]

to all those people who thought he was lame or whatever does not know the history of this man. he was a strong man when everyone said he was weak, made this speech beautifully, when he had a stutter, and became the leader that country needed at that time.

[@sandwichfighter7655]

I 100% agree with ya

[@Lajos_Kelemen]

Amen

[@martlad1]

...and, more importantly, "stayed put", throughout that terrible conflict, to physically be in "the same boat" as his subjects and to give confidence, inspiration and leadership - especially on visits to areas stricken by bombing.

[@brfswigcham]

CHURCHILL was the leader the country needed.

[@sandwichfighter7655]

Paul Strouse Also King George Vl

[@rexfrommn3316]

As an American we have to admire the stoicism of the British King and even Neville Chamberlain when war was thrust upon them. The British people did NOT want war in 1939. The British had lost nearly one million men in the First World War. They were hit hard economically by Great Depression too. Yet, the British took up the task and endured six years of tremendous hardships and sacrifices. These British were brave good people fighting a wicked murderous monstrous and vile regime.

[@faramir]

They were really the only nation (including the Empire with them) who voluntarily entered both world wars (except the aggressors of course), in 1914 to uphold their treaty obligation to defend Belgium's neutrality and in 1939 to defend Poland's. Everyone else was attacked, except the US in 1917.

[@Whoami691]

Thank god it was this man on the throne, not his brother. RIP Your Majesty, Your daughter has done you proud. A Great man. A Great King.

[@PatrickBijvoet]

+Whoami691 Indeed

[@Whoami691]

***** Really? that's a rather ignorant view you have, he was not 'forced' out of office, he abdicated to marry an American woman, thus the throne passed to his brother George. Get your facts straight.

[@steven14621462]

+Whoami691 it wasn't because she was american it was because she was a divorced women and as the king he would be the head of the church, and that would be a moral conflict .... I'm getting my facts from the movie though so i could be wrong

[@thesamuraihobbit]

+Whoami691 And Edward VIII was a bit of an asshole too. He'd shirk his duties and was a Nazi sympathizer.

[@rexmundi2237]

He and Wallis Simpson were Nazi sympathisers and admired Hitler! little known fact at the time.

[@taralang8854]

i cannot imagine how terrified he was. having a stutter , and being shy and having to be thrown into all this and he handled it with such dignity and courage and compassion . you can see where the queen gets it

[@delavalmilker]

It's eerie how well Colin Firth re-created this in "The King's Speech".

[@jonsnow4625]

@James Henderson how about you do it Jamesy we'd love to hear it

[@1506Jimbob]

He is a bloody good actor that's for sure

[@aaronb2779]

@James Henderson shut up

[@kikilocket]

James Henderson even if you don’t like the royal family, George VI was a good man. He was the beacon of hope for people during dark times and empathised with his people. He was loved by his people. Elizabeth is up for debate cause as much as I love my queens bright coloured coats 😂 and her high approval rate, the royal family’s image during her current reign has slipped, especially after princess Diana.

[@monewilliams6245]

I'm watching that movie now. He did amazing

[@williamgregory1848]

This was a man who had a nanny who abused him, parents who were emotionally distant, a brother who died of epilepsy out of view. For this man, it wasn’t just one event, but a culmination of horrible misfortune that gave birth to his negative self-view and near crippling stammer. It's amazing how a man who knew so much suffering ended up being such an inspirational leader.

[@scottmeehan2422]

What are you on about. I think you got the son mixed up with the father. King george VI brother died at the age of 77 and it was because of his abduction that albert became king. He was not ready like his brother/father as he was never ment to be king.

[@henrikhall9788]

​@@scottmeehan2422George VI had four brothers. The youngest, prince John, died of epilepsy in 1919.

[@darkiansmith]

Before I knew the story about his impediment, his speech to me seemed to sound calm, paced and dignified. It's amazing that it came off at all, the fact that it was so well done and accepted is even more impressive.

[@chrisfox7034]

***** Movie?

[@Nazakaification]

Chris Fox yeah, "the king's speech".. Colin firth played king George and won an Oscar for it.

[@paulmccarter908]

Nazakaification I came here right after watching the movie; very well done btw. I was curious if I could pick out the real George's halting elocution, and it was readily apparent after learning of the story.

[@jenniferclark9842]

Wow, I watched "The King's Speech," and then I watched this, and Colin Firth was dead on. This speech should be required listening for anyone with a speech impediment, or fear of public speaking, that has to give a speech.

[@annmitchell4663]

Maximus N most ppl have.

[@mchapman132]

His brother was a weak, poor excuse for a man, let alone a King. George VI represented the strength and fortitude of the British. He was a remarkable man, husband, father and King. RIP

[@LADYLARACROFT]

He was what a King must be, what a human being must be. And so was his daughter.

[@jimhuffman9434]

*OUCH!* Although true, Edward would have been a terrible king. Britain might even have lost WW2 if Edward remained on the throne

[@asianbandit4054]

King Edward VIII was a selfish coward, born to rule and he gave it all up for a woman who gave him no kids and exile from his homeland. Dude could have had a mistress, just look at his grandfather and no one would have cared. Dude gave it all up for nothing of worth.

[@catherinespark]

Amazing how many people who are anti-monarchy still love to absolutely slate members of the Royal Family who become like ordinary people for ordinary reasons. Not saying YOU are anti-monarchy, but I did notice a lot of that with Prince Harry.

[@BassPlyr23]

Even despite Bertie’s speech impediment, George V thought he would be a better king than David.

[@JulieDelahooke]

i think people are forgetting what the point of this speech is. yes, it's the beginning of world war II, but this was a monumental moment for him, as it was his first important speech without uttering his stutter that he had struggled with.

[@dannybyrne9597]

+Isaac Schmitt kudos lol

[@Kaiquintos]

+Julie Delahooke I've recently seen the move the Kings speech and it was an amazing portrayal of his struggling of his stammering. This was an amazing step for him as a speaker.

[@bigbadseed7665]

I'm pretty sure confidently addressing your people in a time of war, the biggest war in history, is a bit more remarkable than overcoming a stutter.

[@lexigrimhaive]

+BigBadSeed it was amazing that he was able to do it without stuttering.

[@Inncognito777]

+BigBadSeed Overcoming the stutter was key in confidently addressing the people

[@TheMotz55]

It astonishing that there are those who are looked down upon all their lives, scorned and belittled as George was, but when the world needs them, they rise to the occasion. This is a mark of the nobility of the human spirit and the sign of genuine greatness.

[@Trickboy36]

Although this is attributed to Churchhill some minor research indicates that it may well be apocryphal. It is fitting nonetheless regardless of who is the originator -“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”.

[@antoniovalente4680]

very good Berty!

[@bagofchips8813]

bugger bugger wang.

[@nonetheyoshi9093]

Bertie*

[@bushinthebush2184]

@@mousers83 Non è colpa sua è colpa di Mussolini che si è schierato con Hitler. Suo nemico

[@stevedotwood]

Apeoples

[@azuredragonofnether5433]

You still stammered on the 'w'.

[@Emma0990]

I'm here again, on 8th September 2022, appreciating Georve VI not only for his achievements, but to celebrate the reign amd accomplishments of his wonerfully remarkable daughter, Elizabeth II. She was the opitomy of class, compassion, unification, and committed herself to her people with such grace and poise in the most tragic of circumstances.. She had a remarkable way of seeming stoic yet sympathetical and warm at the same time. I'm sure George VI would be very proud of his predecessor and daughter. God Bless The Queen. 🙏🕊🤍

[@Jez85]

Well said, Emma. King George VI would indeed be immensely proud of his daughter. God bless the Queen.

[@morbius109]

It is impossible to not admire King George VI for the incredible burdens he shouldered to lead his nation and his people in the horrors of World War 2 even as the quiet and gentle man he was struggled to find that which would leave him a fondly remembered and dearly loved symbol of Britain and all it stood for. He loved his nation, he loved his people, and he fervently supported the soldiers and sailors and airmen of the military and the ministers who governed in his name. Everything I have read about him tells me that George VI was a good man, thrust into an incredible role who gave it his all and whose legacy remains a positive one in British history.

morbius109 I think the war killed him with the stress and responsibilities he shouldered. He was a good king. And very handsome. I know, sounds superficial but true.

[@TheBarber5550]

@ he died from lung cancer.

[@putikeswarasudarsono]

@James Henderson yes, but when you have thousands of years of inheritance on your shoulders to defend from Hitler and you are faced with dissolution if world's largest empire that has been built by millions of lives before you, you may have a huge problem

[@putikeswarasudarsono]

@James Henderson and let your country taken over by Hitler?

[@pamelaparizo]

He was a very brave man to confront his responsibilities when his brother didn't. He didn't want to be king, but he knew his country needed him.

[@caleb4790]

At the height of the Blitz, when London was being bombed to hell, Churchill sent a message to the Queen suggesting that her two daughters be sent to Canada to avoid the danger. The Queen sent a message back which read simply : "The children won't go without me. I won't leave without the King. And the King will NEVER leave." Monarchs are different to politicians.

[@rafabartnikowski1993]

Not exactly. Dutch King fled to Canada, abandoning his people.

[@christianlennon714]

That's so right at times when London was being bombed to hell he wouldn't even leave Buckingham Palace, a true King & Queen & one amazing, legendary Royal Family, they would die rather than leave our country

[@Bob-jm8kl]

Well, after having family killed during the bombings, my grandmother's family left London for Wiltshire, where after the war, she met a USAF pilot, my father was born, and the rest is my history.

[@RaymondHng]

@@rafabartnikowski1993 That is incorrect. There was no King of the Netherlands at the time. William III was the last king of the Netherlands whose reign ended on 23 November 1890. Queen Wilhelmina was the monarch from 1890 to 1948. The Dutch government was also in exile during the war. They were based in Stratton House on Piccadilly by Green Park in London, UK. On 10 May 1940, Germany invaded the Netherlands. Wilhelmina and her family boarded HMS _Hereward_ sent by George VI of the UK to take them across the North Sea. In Britain, Queen Wilhelmina took charge of the Dutch government in exile, setting up a chain of command and immediately communicating a message to her people.

[@JK-xt7ro]

Why would the germans bomb the german british royal family? Of course they stayed in britain. They are all in the same cult.

[@Abh19021]

Real King George VI looks like his brother from the movie.

[@ErniLandia]

no movie or series got his face right maybe because he has a rare complexion

[@annabiotic1078]

Guy Pierce, you mean.

[@mmmohhh8567]

WhyNotEveryThin

[@richtersiegfried61]

@@ErniLandia Undeniably, he was surprisingly handsome and charismatic than the most of his portrayals.

[@johnnyrotten6191]

That was my first thought.....the second being, I wonder if he was originally slated for that part, but was simply incapable of pulling it off.

[@paulnadratowski3942]

Thank goodness Edward abdicated. George was a great wartime king.

[@frezerh]

@@thetruthwillout810 that's what you get for coming to "3rd world countries" in the first place. Yall should have stayed your asses in EUROPE

[@racatkns9977]

TheTruthWillOut Good riddance to Edward VIII I say. British values would have been continually undermined had that Nazi sympathiser trash remained on the throne.

[@Anna-dl3ys]

Edward was also a Nazi sympathizer.

[@crixxxxxxxxx]

He didn't really do anything. It was Churchill, the British command and the Allied command who prosecuted the war.

[@james06598]

@@crixxxxxxxxx The King really helped the morale amongst the people though, even inspiring Churchill at times.

[@ThinlyCut90]

I am literally left speechless and amazed at this speech. To think that this man, this king, had a stutter. You would not have known at all. He gave great solace and inspiration to his people in their time of need, and I suspect that he will continue to give his people hope as the times go on. He will forever be an inspiration. What a brilliant speech, from a brilliant king.

[@Shizuma519]

my grams remembers this a day she's 96.

[@cpegg5840]

Hopefully she's with you for many years yet.

[@kitty_neva]

CGonzalezZ god bless her!

[@forrestdean8665]

🥂

[@SenyorCapitàCollons]

Ftw.

[@peersahab7701]

Is she alive now after 3 years ?

[@BruceJC75]

The use of Beethoven’s 7th in the movie was simply brilliant! There couldn’t have been a more perfect and powerful piece.

[@ronniebounds6474]

I’m amazed by all the positive comments instead of cutting him to ribbons. Great speech delivered by a man trying his best and succeeding! Bravo.

[@elsturm614]

If i'am, as French man, a republican man, i have a great consideration to this King who is for me one of my examples of courage, determination. He is for me one of the major men of the XXth century. All my respects to you King George. You were a great king for a great people.

[@hH-lc1to]

There are no words to describe how much I admire King George VI, and his daughter Queen Elizabeth II. As a Swiss citizen, I stand in awe of the dedication they have shown to their nation. It is at once an honour and a great sacrifice. And, despite the unsavoriness surrounding Lady Diana The People's Princess and the wrong that was done to her, I also harbor great fondness for His Majesty King Charles III. Long live the King. Honi soit qui mal y pense.

[@anarrivingwingedhussar9692]

The impact of this speech simply cannot be understated, and the fact that it was delivered by a man that so gravely struggled with matters of anxiety and public speaking makes it all the more inspirational.

[@Dagot1948]

I admire George VI so much. He never wanted to be king, but he stretched himself to the limit to do his best. He succeeded beyond anyone's expectations. With Churchill as his prime minister and his beloved wife at his side, he proved that the times make the man. They saw England through it's most terrible days, displayed a courage to the world that has never been matched, and confronted the reality of an empire greatly reduced in size and in treasure.

[@katamb55]

What an amazing piece of history. I'm grateful for the writers of The King's Speech for bringing this important story to us again. Shows how much dilgence and persistence it takes to overcome any obstacle.

[@lizatubilleja]

Came here after watching the movue The King's Speech. Beautiful movie. Colin Firth is amazing.

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

Firth ruined the film.

[@ScoobieD0]

I'm an American. I have The King's Speech on my Netflix queue. I'm fascinated how this man overcame his stuttering and became the King his people and the world needed during World War II. Congratulations on the wonderful speech your majesty!

[@brooke1504]

As someone with extreme stress about public speaking and anxiety, this man is one of my idols, he will be remembered forever

[@aoibhealfae]

I had minor speech impairment. It got worst when Im speaking suddenly to a large crowd. I always try to speak slowly though and I did fairly good with public speaking. Recently during my thesis presentation, everyone who had stayed had seen that I practiced a lot on the stage with mic and shaking hands but later they told me I did good (huge sigh of relief). Its a bit painful for me when I watch "The King's Speech" and saw the struggles. Colin Firth is truly inspirational as the king himself.

[@yortsemloh1156]

King George VI always looks so kind in all the pictures and videos I’ve seen of him. He exuded kindness it seems.

[@Shyla07NY1]

I had read about George VI and his battle with combating his stuttering plus the fact that he was in no way prepared to become King. I was so happy when "The King's Speech" came out; it was about time Edward VIII was shown to be a selfish, idiot and George VI was given credit for being the truly courageous man he was.

[@Angel-nu7fm]

Wait, no way prepared to become King? All the royals know history - his own father, George the V was the second son who stepped up when his brother died. It never occurred to him or the Queen Mum he could ascend the throne? Give me a break

[@bbbb1000]

I always wondered about that myself. I think it is historically accurate that George VI was totally shocked at the prospect that he would become king. But I agree -- past history made clear this was a real possibility, and it seems really stupid that the royal family did not take that as a serious possibility. I mean, he was second in line, not some distant cousin.

[@Angel-nu7fm]

I think they hype that to give the story drama and create sympathy for the main character. The royals need all the favorable press they can get today, with the awful crew in there now. Elizabeth is the last. I think it will fold. Camilla & Charles? Nope Will & kate? They hoped she would be another Diana. She can't keep her drawers on in public - THAT will be the Queen? Sorry it is the end of the line for the British monarch

[@Larwood.]

WethePeople Aretobigtofail He did preparation, but that doesn't mean he was prepared.

[@cisio64123]

+Larwood Exactly! Bertie may have been the spare, but it was never really thought he would actually become King. It was just accepted that Edward would be King, and that eventually his children would just push Bertie down the line of succession. Bertie didn't expect it and had never mentally prepared himself, or planned for it. No one could have imagined that Edward would abdicate and force Bertie to accept a role he had never wanted or ever planned to have.

[@George-hb7os]

This is truely inspiring. The speech itself and now also knowing the struggle he went through. One can only hope that we can all rise to the occasion as the King did when he was needed.

[@donpowlen]

I saw the movie years ago. This real version you can hear him focusing & struggling; but he delivered. He delivered with a force of will, empathy & a quiet strength.

[@benbrown2292]

Being from rural New Brunswick so many of the older folks speak of how important this speach was to the morale of the wartime Commonwealth

[@HMB106]

God damn. Colin Firth was absolutely bang on with his rendition of this speech

[@daviddore9285]

What a wonderful King he was. I can remember him well, and I was very sad when he passed away to early only 56.

[@sezthet1]

The Queen watched her father’s fortitude and resilience despite his speech impediment. She learned from him that perseverance and tenacity were essential qualities. She adored her father and she inherited many of his good qualities. I think for many who’ve heard this speech who have stutters, they can appreciate how difficult it must have been for him to need to speak to his people when he had never had a voice. The touching thing is that he shouldered a duty he never wanted to because of his idiot brother, and with that he had to shoulder being the king who couldn’t speak, and learned to, for the sake of his duty.

[@conors4430]

putting aside as an Irishman and an Australian what I think about royalty, the brits etc etc. I have to admit even if the movie was hyped up the fact that this man with a country on his shoulders was able to perform when he was expected to with a stutter is pretty heart warming and awesome. he must have been in pieces worrying about it

[@cillianbissett582]

+MrStig691 No, Irish people are Irish. There are the Ulster-Scots admittedly in Northern Ireland, who would be of direct British descent. Everyone else throughout history were Irish, but under occupation. This same logic make would Palestinians Israeli, something which is very untrue. Australia was admittedly a penal colony for quite some time, where people of mixed identities were deported to (including some people of British and Irish descent). You can call Australians British, and not be totally incorrect (excepting Aborigines) but as for Irish people, they are very definitely not British. So I don't see how this would make him a "colonial one". Just accept that one of your leaders got praised by someone who is not British.

[@cageordie]

Realistically everyone on the British Isles, including Ireland and all the little fragments of rock scattered around it are a bastard race consisting of the remains of all the invading armies that never went home. So no, the Irish are not some pure race, they were pushed out of Britain by the various other invasions, then bastardized some more by Vikings. As a descendant of Svein Asleifarsson 'the ultimate Viking' myself I can't get too precious about being English. Conor Smith? Smith? Good Irish name. LOL! So, half potato farmer and half convict.

[@NeepThePeep]

Fuck the British. Fuck Britain. Fuck the UK. English, Welsh, Irish, Northern Irish, Scottish, that's fine. But fuck the British. One of the most evil empires to have existed and continue to exist, along with the USA. ALBA GU BRATH!

[@NeepThePeep]

Do you know how many people have suffered under Britain? How many starved to death, robbed, raped, slaughtered? The Irish and Australian have good reason to hate the British, as do the Scots and majority of the 'commonwealth'.

[@NeepThePeep]

I'm not talking about geography, or the Isles, you moron. I'm talking about the union. American implies citizen of the USA, not the whole of the Americas, use some common sense. You know nothing about history, and can't learn its lessons. History repeats itself. We're still being abused and treated as second class citizens. I'm English born, lived in Scotland half my life and I see how we're treated. They sent hundreds of thousands of us into slavery, still openly joke about it in parliament even today, stop us gaining new powers so we can govern ourselves and steal 30bn from us every single year, killing our children, elderly and disabled through starvation. The UK continues to play a huge hand in funding ISIS (who you hate so much, shame your precious union funds them and are the cause of the terror crisis) and Saudi Arabia, they're the second biggest arms dealer. FUCK THE UK, and fuck all of you imperialists.

[@pasteluni7132]

A great man. I stutter but when you hear a speech like that you give honour to the man. God bless the monarchy

[@Theocook1]

King George exemplifies why I prefer the British system of constitutional monarchy to a Presidential system. When George made this speech, when he worked for years to get over his stammer, when he made countless speeches throughout the war to the nation, he wasn't trying to score political points. He wasn't trying to curry favour to help him win the next election. He was doing his duty to his people, to be a unifying symbol around which to rally. He wasn't even supposed to be King, but he still knew his duty because he had been raised to it from birth. We have a democracy in this country, and according to Democracy index it is a freer and more democratic one than the American system. The monarchy does not make our laws. The monarchy is there to unify where there are no other points of contact. If you took your typical Conservative and Labour voter and asked them to discuss politics, there is every likelihood that they would find nothing to agree on. Ask them their opinion on the Queen however, and chances are that both would agree she does a great job and is a great servant to this country. Our head of state is not a divisive figure. Our head of state is not out to score points and win elections. Our head of state is there to unite and inspire people. When I look at Presidents and Presidential candidates in other countries, all I see is arguing, mud-slinging, politicking and point scoring. That's not what the Head of State is for; that belongs in the legislature. A head of state should not alienate half their people. Anyway, rant over. Long Live the Queen.

[@goodnursesrule2]

Blah Blah Blah Blah....

[@Theocook1]

My god, I've never heard such a well thought out and cutting rebuttal in all my life...

[@grahamhaspassedaway4580]

At the height of the Blitz, when London was being bombed to hell, Churchill sent a message to the Queen suggesting that her two daughters be sent to Canada to avoid the danger. The Queen sent a message back which read simply : "The children won't go without me. I won't leave without the King. And the King will NEVER leave." Monarchs are different to politicians. :)

[@KoeSeer]

Monarchs are born and trained to be leader, politicans are ranked up to be a leader.

[@vivi-fe5rj]

xDDDD

[@studioworksplc]

i just saw the film and had to come and hear this, what a wonderful king

[@ashlee999]

Amazing speech! And I have to say that Colin Firth more than earned that Oscar! Strictly based on the speech, he nailed it! I have no doubt that if I searched for mannerisms and expressions of the king, it would make me think of Colin. Truly excellent.

[@johnv3278]

I am thankful I don't have a stammer, but public speaking is incredibly nerve-racking and difficult for me. His late Majesty is an inspiration to me even though my problem is just nervousness

[@markgrawlinson9455]

To those who write negative comments, I can only say that you are blinded by modern standards and "progressive" and "politically correct" ways of thinking. The world, and the beliefs were so different even in the early decades of the 20th Century. The notion of the British Empire as being nefarious and wrong, if to be taken as a truth, has to be thought of in the context of, and that, almost every nation on earth had, even the USA, and since the 1930s, the USA more so, has sought dominion over other countries for political/religious/economical propagation and/or subjugation. The world back then seems to us now, a different place. We can, of course, only move forward, but in many ways, we should never forget what we have lost.

[@hannahskipper2764]

That is one of the best speeches in history and the fact that speaking was a weakness for him shows how powerfully almighty God blessed him.

[@richwoodster]

Very moving speech. Brilliant. Pauses do add presence and effect......indeed!

[@SAVUFILMS]

This man had the balls to carry his nation through a wartime

[@gaynorpatterson2915]

Especially when he never asked for it. He was thrown into it.

[@dphorgan]

Where's Beethoven's 7th Symphony?

[@marcraider]

OMg, that was funny, you make my day man.

[@s694019001]

Thank you

[@johnclare3695]

I think you mean his 5th!

[@csb7376]

@@johnclare3695 He means from the film, definitely not his 5th (de-de-de-derrr).

[@TungstenCarbideProjectile]

It didn't exist yet in this year. Beethoven was born in 1982 and died December 14th twenty hundred and seven teen

[@shirtymop6463]

A man never trained to be a king or a public speaker, who had to keep the morale of his country up during the biggest war of the 20th century. No wonder he died soon after.

[@zoer2067]

sadly, he died due to smoking. it was basically preached by doctors that smoking would help talking. he smoked like a chimney until he died.

[@andmos1001]

in The Crown, they raised this issure as well. They said the burden of resposibility killed George VI

[@anitaellenmcgee7430]

Anders Mostue cigarettes didn t help either

[@waahaah861]

Thats cause they didn't know smoking caused lung cancer...

[@davidw.2791]

Adriaan buys I guess Lionel's line "Don't smoke in my house, Your Royal Highness. I believe sucking smoke into one's lungs would kill you." was a foreshadowing.

[@scoobiedoo2009]

I looked for this after watching "the king's speech" - awe-inspiring stuff..

[@kezadrone]

Brave man, not easy at all with his condition. Bloody well done to say the least.

[@lukaszpolski1]

Beautiful. When comparing to the movie, and seeing how he faced and overcame his fear is truly inspirational.

[@waseemriaz2046]

George VI was also a handsome man. He was custom built to look like a King - and to be a King.

[@CapricornOnTheCob]

I watched this immediately after finally watching The King's Speech. I'm amazed at how well Colin Firth captured the persona of King George. This is a great speech from a great man, and its nice to know what he was done justice in the film.

[@britainluver431]

At 1:50 the girl next to the queen is Elizabeth (the current Queen of England) For those who wish to know.

[@britainluver431]

Exactly.

[@mbranagh5176]

I am planning a relaxed defecation now that I have received this scintillating intelligence. With the corrigendum from Subritzky,I expect a particularly exceptional dump.

[@khfan4life365]

George VI ended up being one of the strongest in his family. He never wanted to be king and was forced into it, yet he never complained or showed anything other than devotion and loyalty to his people. He was the personification of the stiff upper lip that was encouraged during the war. He gave his people (and even foreigners) hope and inspiration to keep fighting. They don’t make them like George anymore, that’s for sure.

[@jorgetello1452]

Where is Beethoven?

[@andmos1001]

You dont need Beethoven for a speech this powerful

[@jeanparke9373]

Jorge Tello The music selection in the movie was absolutely great, but for me, his speech sounds like a great music: not just as a king's speech, but also as a human being who overcame his disorder.

[@jorgetello1452]

CookingJames1 i agree with you. In first instance, my comment was a joke.

[@jeanparke9373]

Jorge Tello I know XD

[@babotond]

Beethoven wasn't born yet when the actual speach was broadcast.

[@archieleach6071]

It’s September 18, 2022 and just watched “The King’s Speech” again. And now I’m watching King George VI speeches.

[@MrKingDaKong]

i have a speech impediment and this and the movie is one of the most inspiring things i have ever seen

[@pu-FP]

Sharing his birthday. Being from tje commonwealth, Australia, that is... i feel honoured to know of his humility. Monarchy may not be greatly accepted, i myself find i am one them, no one person's should covet so much power. Yet, the verbosity of George the VI's story and personality, remind me that I should be proud of my homeland. I am Australian, with an indigenous father... i never met him but that matters not. Some peoples of history deserve to carved in stone. George the VI is one of them. Served in the call of duty among men, refused to scuttle from his home when threatened by vile fiends. Take up sword and shield, defend ones own honour, through that they stay true to one's self... A ciggarette burns in your honour Bertie, may another follow the grand cast of your shadow one day. From my burnt yellow and red land, i love you all. Humility in power is true godliness. Amen

[@lagalags]

Colin Firth did an amazing job on the movie. Totally deserved the Best Actor Award. And, of course, the movie deserved it's Best Picture Award.

[@barbaraarmann5698]

I simply ADORED Colin Firths portrayal!!! Such a WONDERFUL actor!!!

[@dcs672001]

The story of the King's Speech was truly inspiring sometimes fate gives us the right people at the right time history. Long Live King George VI.

[@kenhenderson7999]

The movie changed things around for dramatic purposes. Logue began working with Prince Albert in the mid-late 20's. By the time he became King George VI, he long overcame his stammer in public speaking by using pauses and timing, as taught by Logue years before. But, as in the movie, he always had Logue by his side when making a an address, Mostly out of friendship, but Logue also provided the confidence the King needed.

[@jakkuwolfinsomnia8058]

Our Hero as well as Our King 🇬🇧 He fought against his weaknesses as we fought against ours. United together under the universal hardships of our unyielding power of the enemies now have proven to be diminished by the strength in our hearts and our unity to keep fighting beyond that which we believed would overwhelm us

[@vjm3]

He really did sound solemn, but he also sounded like the leader he would become. To know the amount of work that was involved just to get these 5 important minutes is incredible.

[@georgemello]

A hero King, George VI. I’m proud to be named George after him.

[@markjohnson9455]

Listening to his speech makes listeners feel assured and calm that everything will be okay in the 'darkest' of times. His credibility is how he showed the people that he could triumph over something very personal to him, and likewise British people would overcome Hitler. George's life story still inspires today.

[@comandantebond9712]

God Save The King.

[@smellycat264]

COMANDANTEBOND God Save the king.

[@sailor_guy9841]

@@smellycat264 God save the King God save the Queen 🇮🇳🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧❤

[@The030670]

Fuck em

[@1978rharris]

“god” didn’t. He died. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@justinthyme7275]

God has nothing to do with the royal clan.

[@TampaBayGal]

So much credit is due to Lionel Logue, his therapist. What an incredible friendship they developed with admiration for one another. I can't get enugh of the movie or the specials the Smithsonian Channel has presented regarding the family and the manarchy. Such a beautiful family of King George VI and Queen Mother.

[@ClannahHeroGames]

My grandfather was eight when this was broadcasted. It's so wonderful to hear of this historic moment from him. :-) God bless the UK (and U.S. ;-D)

[@lifes-entertainment2484]

No wonder late queen Elizabeth II was so amazing! Having a father as strong and in the right place at the right time. You can't win a war with out him. The soul embodiment of all Britain. God sake the king 🤴

[@cards0486]

King George has always fascinated me. I knew of his problem. And I knew he lead Britian, bravely, through their darkest hours. It was good fortune he was king instead of Edward. He was devoted to his responsibility, and loved his country. The man was a great hero. He served as an amazing example to every Englishman to face the task before them.

[@mfisher1952]

I am so glad they finally got permission to make the film. George VI faced a burden I imagine no other stutterer has faced in recent history.

[@ElMaestroGordo]

"Bertie had more bottle than all his brothers put together!" - HM George V. Not sure he actually said this but it sounds appropriate, doesn't it?

[@martavg6]

Bertie has more guts than the rest of his brothers put together

[@whyy9927]

He actually did say it, though still surprising considering how abusive George V was, never wanting to even acknowledge his children let alone praise one of them, Bertie must've really impressed him.

[@farhadkarimi]

his slow paced speech of it actually makes you pay so much more attention to what he's saying

[@timheavrin2253]

As one who had to deal with a speech impediment early as a child, I can fully appreciate this man and his struggle. England's best king ever in history!

[@elizabethmchugh9811]

George sounds so majestic and dignified.

[@Nileshpandey0907]

Yesterday i saw movie the King's speech and that brings me yere. i just want say that it is not only fantastic movie but it is also very inspirational movie for those who want to speak fluently in public without pausing. Colin firth, Geoffrey rush and helena carter has done splendid acting in this movie i become fan of this three actor's and I'll watch more movie of this actors. one more thing i want to add here that I am indian and i am learning english language (and i love british accent) I want to speak english fluently without pausing in public, and I will be able to do this soon.

[@nathankindle282]

As a little kid, i jad to attend speech therapy for a stutter. Havent really had it since i was real little. I guess it was dealt with early enough, however, ive noticed that as im talking, if i try to talk to fast, it starts to come back and i cant get words out. However, most people dont even realize that i had a stutter as a kid, until it happens

[@kevinprior3549]

You can definitely hear the stutter. His stutter was what made him so endearing. He never sounded big headed or too confident, he was very down to earth

[@ilovebeinagirl]

Nobody will probably see this but this MUST be listened to with "Downfall" from The Crown playing in the background. I thought I'd play around and see how it would work but I thought nothing could top the music played in the background of the movie The King's Speech. I was wrong. That music adds a dimension that I can't even describe.

[@guinnesslv]

As a US citizen I thank Britain for being an ally. Will defend Britain for being an ally to the end. So true with the events now.

[@idealicfool]

Fwedwick _​ so the deffinition of a cunt is some1 that just states the facts right? America just sat back raking in the profits they made from selling supplies to mass murderers. if pearl harbour was never atked, I wonder just how long they would've remained sitting on their arses for watching innocent ppl die. the truth is mate, and dont get me wrong, tho my heritage is Norman English, I am Australian, just as briton has been the past nealry 1 thousand years since my Ancestors arrived with William of Fallaise, Duke of Normandy in 1066, it will remain a bastion for the years to come long after the American economy finally goes under. And I can guarantee mate, even without American assistance, just bare in mind, the Commonwealth of nations comprises around 1/3 of the worlds nations and about 1/4 of its population.

[@christianalexanderthegreat8941]

Oh, really? So tell me, as the British began running short of money, arms, and other supplies, why did Churchill beg on his knees to FDR for American help? -"Lend-Lease Act"

[@HazardNP]

As a brit, forgot the imperfections. We thanky you yanks just as much as you thank us. Ignore the knobheads

[@Whoami691]

The Lend lease act only came into effect early '41. By that time the danger had passed and Hitler wasn't targeting military targets anymore, focusing on the towns and cities, giving us breathing space, by late 1940 Britain's output was soaring, thanks mainly in part to our women at work and up until 1943 Britain provided 1/3rd of all soviet tanks and planes - Free. Don't get me wrong, the help is appreciated, but don't think that we were dead in the water without you. We had been told for months 'invasion was coming' but it never did. We held our own. We could not have won the war alone, but by that time Hitler was knee deep in the soviets and the blitzkrieg had ground to a halt a mere 7 miles outside Moscow. The Russian winter hit and Stalin called in 42 of his Siberian divisions - Men who thrived in the cold - to push the Nazis back down. Could we have won without the US? Maybe. Could we have won without the Soviets? Not a fucking chance. All too often they are left out of this argument, but they were the ones that won the war for the allies taking a whopping 80% of allies casualties in the European Theater. As Stalin himself once said The US gave the Steel. Britain gave the Time. Russia gave the Blood.

[@idealicfool]

Whoami691 same as in the Napoleanonic wars after Napoleon turned on his former allies the Russians and ended up fkd on 2 fronts. Thank god for tyrants that just assume things will go smoothly when dealing with either the Brits or the Russians 😂

[@uber_stuber]

i tip my hat to you, *colin firth,* for your incredible and honorable recreation of the king's speech and personality. incredibly well done

[@stephenclues2948]

God bless him. Good man, great leader.

[@mrspock172]

I don’t think I’ve ever felt so much respect for a man.

[@John88O]

I can't imagine the weight he must have felt on his shoulders...amazing speech given his personal struggles and the situation Britain was in at the time

[@gretabartoli8916]

A great man, a great King.

[@uber2uber]

I heard no stutter...very nice

[@dontbelongherefromanother]

Exactly

[@honeybeebadger]

You did us proud your Majesty

[@cliffcarr3632]

George was a great man and he did a good job, just so sad he died fairly young. Respect and RIP George.

[@cpegg5840]

His Majesty unfortunately had a bad smoking habit, hence lung cancer and his tragic passing at only 56.

[@ianli3027]

It probably didn't help when his doctors encourage his smoking as they thought it would calm the King's nerves.

[@smellycat264]

Grievous the CIS Commander Stupid Doctor’s.

[@evswope]

Open up another window of the king's speech soundtrack and play them at the same time... So awesome.