'Year of the Three Kings' Commemorative Strike Set

1936 was a remarkable year, a year in which one of the most unusual events of the 20th century occurred - when Britain had 3 kings occupying the throne within just 12 months.

On 20th January 1936, George V passed away. His eldest son, the popular Prince Edward was proclaimed King Edward VIII. However forced to choose between duty and his love for American divorcee Wallis Simpson, Edward famously chose the latter and voluntarily abdicated 325 days into his reign. His younger brother the Duke of York had not expected to inherit the throne, a shy man struggling to overcome a speech defect, he was unprepared but warmly received and proclaimed King George VI on 12th December. Thus ended a momentous year - 1936 - the Year of the Three Kings.George VI went on to become one of Britain's best-loved rulers leading the nation through World War II with his queen, Queen Elizabeth, later affectionately known as The Queen Mother.