Fondly remembering that one time some guy casually murdered the King of England for the most British of reasons

The security of the British Royal Family is often a topic of concern given their prominence, especially with a history of threats and attacks. From the dramatic end of Lord Mountbatten to Princess Anne’s near kidnapping, the Royals have always been in the crosshairs. Most recently, a bomb threat was reported at Buckingham Palace, showcasing the ongoing risks they face.

However, an even more unsettling threat may have existed from within. Let’s delve into a bizarre chapter in British history: the alleged murder of King George V in 1936.

The Health Decline of King George V

King George V reigned from 1910 and actively engaged in World War I, even changing his family name from Saxe-Coburg to Windsor due to its German connotations. After sustaining a serious injury while visiting troops in France, he began suffering from health issues exacerbated by his heavy smoking. By early 1936, at the age of 70, the King was bedridden at Sandringham Palace, battling bronchitis and sepsis.

The Role of Dr. Bertrand Dawson

As the King’s condition worsened, Dr. Bertrand Dawson, the royal physician, was called to his side. Dawson was a distinguished figure, having served on the Western Front and contributing to the founding of the National Health Service. However, he harbored a controversial interest in euthanasia, which would come into play during the King’s final hours.

When the King experienced cardio-respiratory failure, Dawson was in a position of trust and control. He administered a lethal combination of cocaine and morphine—far beyond a typical dosage—which led to the King’s death shortly after. Dawson promptly informed the nation, framing it as a natural demise due to the King’s chronic health issues.

A Chilling Revelation

For decades, the official narrative maintained that the King died from his health complications. However, the truth unraveled in 1986 when Dawson’s private diaries were made public. In them, he detailed his reasoning for the King’s hastened death, citing a desire to avoid sensationalist news coverage and to align with the schedule of his own medical practice. He wrote chillingly about the decision, implying he believed it was more humane to expedite the King’s suffering rather than let it linger.

This revelation painted Dawson in a sinister light—he essentially confessed to regicide, a crime of the highest order. While he enjoyed a reputable career after the incident and was buried with honors upon his death in 1945, questions lingered about how many other patients may have suffered similar fates under his care.

This tale highlights the dark undercurrents of royal history, where trust can become fatal. Dawson’s actions, whether driven by a misguided sense of mercy or self-interest, remain a controversial part of British medical history. The Royal Family, with its complex dynamics and the ever-present threat to their safety, now has to contend with the unsettling legacy of those who were meant to protect them.