The King's Speech, a portrayal of King George VI, invites us to listen to Dignity's words. This film opens the door to the childhood--the ascension of--a boy, who stutters, to the English monarchy.
Queen Mary and King George V became the parents to a boy they named, "Albert Frederick Arthur George." Royalty dictated that the honor and heritage of the House of Windsor be carried forward. Such a name fit the bill.
Yet, "Albert Frederick Arthur George" was a name not befitting of the young boy--of his person. The boy had a speech impediment--stuttering--that was the excuse used to pardon his family for their mistreatment.
As a child, his family wanted nothing to do with his stuttering. It was a shame for them to have to confess, if they were to embrace him fully, as any son--any child--deserves from their parents, their family, everyone who meets him deserves.
"They just did not understand. Forgive them." We say that of the House of Windsor. The King and Queen did not bequeath to their son the honor and heritage of the House of Windsor. Queen Mary and King George V bequeathed to their son Stolen Dignity.
Yet, let us not follow their lead.
Dignity? What is it? Dignified. What does it look like? What does it sound like?
Dignity is prerequisite for royalty. Dignified is a royal requirement.
Dignity speaks to us today, if we are listening to Her words.
Yes, forgive them, but, do not let forgiveness be an excuse for not pursuing the dignity worthy of everyone's life--each person's gifts regardless of class.
Immersed in his family's view of him, Albert Frederick Arthur George accepted their view as gospel. He was to be shunned, ridiculed at best. At worst...the worst is unspeakable, at least by him.
Royalty, aspiring royalty, was to radiate dignity. When Queen Mary and King George V conceived their son, dignity dictated his name to be, "Albert Frederick Arthur George." God forbid too short a name be given. Royalty dictates "proper" distance be maintained. His long name did just that.
Royalty demanded being steeped in the honor and dignity of the House of Windsor. Yet, the bequest of such a long name, regardless of any speech impediment, hinders the formation of intimate friendship.
Albert Frederick Arthur George's story offers that exaggeration we need to stop. Let us consider the sheer length of the name stood between him and anyone he was to meet.
As an adult, his wife sought help for her husband's stuttering. The speech coach, Lionel Logue, asked what his name was, to which the future king said, "Albert Frederick Arthur George."
That would not do. "Bertie" was the name given to him, a name that helped to free him of the weight of expectations. "Bertie" and Lionel grew to be trusted friends. Lionel helped Bertie to become the next King of England, who succeeded his father, King George V. Ironically, his ascension to the throne led to his being named, "King George VI."
With Lionel's help, trust, and friendship, Bertie surmounted any burden from the past that becoming King George VI may have placed on him.
Through Bertie, Albert Frederick Arthur George was transformed into King George VI.
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