How the sudden death of a King shocked the British nation on this day - and brought a young Queen Elizabeth to the throne

On this day 72 years ago, King George VI died suddenly in his sleep at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. In the event, it was cut short Queen Elizabeth pictured returning to London from the airport following the death of her father in February 1952 The Daily Mail from February 7 announces the death of King George VI Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Queen Mary at King's Cross railway station awaiting the arrival of the train bringing the coffin from Sandringham, where King George had passed away Their fortitude won them the enduring respect and affection of the British people after it became clear that they were making a point of sharing the same dangers and privations everyone else, even subjecting themselves to food rationing and restrictions on the depth of their bathwater. Four days ahead of his funeral, the famous photo of three generations of Queens was taken: Queen Mary, the Queen Mother and the new Queen Elizabeth stood together as they awaited the arrival of the King's coffin for the lying-in-state that would follow The King's coffin was taken by train from Sandringham to London and conveyed by road to Westminster Hall, where BBC broadcaster Richard Dimbleby said 'Never safer, better guarded, lay a sleeping king than this, with a golden candlelight to warm his resting place, and the muffled footsteps of his devoted subjects to keep him company.’ On the day of the funeral, February 15, George's coffin was draped in the royal standard, with a crown, orb and sceptre placed on top. Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrives for the Privy Council after the death of the King The coffin of King George VI is disembarked from a train at King's Cross Station en route to Westminster Hall Queen Elizabeth II, right, and Princess Margaret are veiled as they travel with their father's cortege to Westminster Hall The body of King George VI lies in state in Westminster Hall before being taken to St George's Chapel, Windsor. The Duke of Windsor stands far right The final journey of King George VI, when his coffin was taken in procession from Windsor Railway Station to the funeral service The funeral procession of King George VI of England passing the walls of Windsor Castle on its way to St George's Chapel, where the service and burial took place 'In that moment the young Queen, bidding mute farewell to her father and predecessor on the Throne, had taken her place in the long and glorious role of those who have worn the Crown.'