King George V reigned over a period of immense change for both Britain and the world at large. Born on June 3, 1865, he was the second son of Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark. Growing up, George was not initially prepared for kingship, given that he had an elder brother, Prince Albert Victor. However, upon Albert's untimely death in 1892, George's destiny was altered. As a young man, George served in the Royal Navy, which instilled in him a sense of duty and discipline that he carried throughout his life.

In 1893, George married his late brother's fiancée, Princess Mary of Teck, a union that would produce five sons and a daughter. The couple shared a close bond, and their relationship provided stability amidst the tumult of global events. George ascended to the throne in 1910 following his father's death. His reign, which lasted until 1936, witnessed some of the most transformative events of the 20th century, most notably the First World War.

The war, which erupted in 1914, tested George's leadership. While he played no direct role in military strategy, he worked to bolster morale on the home front, visiting troops and munitions factories. In 1917, in response to anti-German sentiment, he made the symbolic yet significant move of changing the Royal Family's name from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to the House of Windsor.

The post-war period posed its own set of challenges. Britain's global dominance was waning, and economic struggles, including the Great Depression, took a toll on the nation. Domestically, the issue of Irish independence was contentious, leading to the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922.

George V's relationship with his governments and Parliament was largely constitutional. He understood the changing nature of the monarchy, taking on a more symbolic role and allowing elected officials to govern. However, this didn't mean he was entirely removed from politics. He played a quiet role in the establishment of the first Labour government in 1924, showing an understanding of the evolving democratic landscape.

His foreign relations were marked by a desire to maintain peace, especially given the traumatic memories of the First World War. The signing of the Treaty of Locarno in 1925, which aimed to normalize relations with defeated Germany, was a reflection of this sentiment.

George V's family life was a mix of traditional expectations and personal affection. While he was a loving father, he was also a product of his time, believing in discipline and the importance of royal duty. His relationships with his children, especially his eldest son, the future Edward VIII, were often strained due to generational differences and contrasting views on monarchy's role.

Culturally, George V's era saw the Roaring Twenties, a period of artistic and social dynamism, followed by the more somber mood of the 1930s. The rise of cinema, jazz, and modernist literature marked this era, even as society grappled with the scars of war and economic downturn.

George's health began deteriorating in the 1920s, and by the mid-1930s, he was seriously ill. His death on January 20, 1936, marked the end of an era. The public mourned the passing of a king who had steadfastly guided the nation through war and peace, embodying a sense of duty and continuity. As Britain bid farewell to George V, it also braced itself for new challenges, including another impending global conflict and the abdication crisis that would engulf George's successor.