King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and dependencies overseas (1936–52), Emperor of India until 1947. He succeeded his brother, Edward VIII, after the Abdication Crisis. His preference for Lord Halifax rather than Winston Churchill as Prime Minister in 1940 had no effect, but he strongly supported Churchill throughout World War II. Likewise he gave his support to Clement Attlee and his government (1945–50) in the policy of granting Indian independence. He and his wife, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, will be remembered for sustaining public morale during the German bombing offensive of British cities. He was succeeded by his elder daughter, Elizabeth II.