Answer. On January 20, 1936, King George V died, and Edward ascended to the throne as King Edward VIII. ''. George V, in full George Frederick Ernest Albert, (born June 3, 1865, London, England—died January 20, 1936, Sandringham, Norfolk), king of the United Kingdom from 1910 to 1936, the second son of Prince Albert Edward, later King Edward VII.. The official announcement from Sandringham, given at 1045 GMT, said the King retired in his usual health, but passed away in his sleep and was found dead in bed at 0730 GMT by a servant. Why Did King George Get the Throne? One such example is the realistic portrayal of King George VI's last days before he dies of lung cancer in the second episode, spurring on Elizabeth's career as the queen of the UK. Here's why. In the Vigil of the Princes , Prince Albert and his three brothers (the new king, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester , and Prince George, Duke of Kent ) took a shift standing guard over their father's body as it lay in state , in a closed casket, in Westminster Hall . His cause of death was euthanasia. Grandson of Queen Victoria and grandfather to Queen Elizabeth II, his death was expected (he had been a heavy smoker and ill for some time). In January 1892 the Prince's naval career was brought to an abrupt close by the sudden death of Prince Albert Victor, so putting him in the direct line of succession. Created duke of Cornwall and prince of Wales after his father’s accession (1901), he succeeded his father on May 6, 1910, and was crowned on June 22, 1911. George was born on 17 August 1762, the eldest son of George III and Queen Charlotte. The king was expected to live less than 24 hours when the attending physicians and the Royal Family together decided to accelerate his passing by a few hours. Everything to Know About the Death of King George VI, ... How did he die? George V of Georgia died in 1346. On 20 January 1936, George V died and Edward ascended the throne as King Edward VIII. His cause of death was euthanasia. He was only 56 years old. At five minutes before midnight on the 20th January 1936 George V was pronounced dead, the cause being bronchitis. How Did King George VI Die?