British author Cadbury explores the many layers involved in the abdication crisis of 1936, which ceded the British crown to the seemingly least prepared of the four sons of George V, George VI, aka Bertie, who revealed himself in the subsequent crisis of war to be the most suitable and stalwart of all.

December 1936-September 1939. Circumstances without parallel ; A very full heart ; Enmity and fear -- September 1939-August 1940. In this grave hour ; Into the unknown ; The decisive struggle ; Treachery -- August 1940-December 1942. There will always be an England ; Ever widening conflict ; It's my brother -- January 1943-January 1952. Tested as never before in our history ; Something more than courage ; For valour.