'God Save the King' gained popularity during the reign of King George II (1727-1760) and became the anthem of Great Britain. A song of loyalty and patriotism to the king, with the original lyrics mentioning the name 'George' prominently in the verses.
It wasn't until the reign of his grandson, King George III (1760-1820), that the song became more associated with the growing British Empire.
During the reign of King George IV (1820-1830), the song remained unchanged and was the last time the original was used for the anthem.
William IV's reign saw the name George dropped from the song and replaced with 'King' instead but there are no recordings of his lyrical version specifically.
Under Queen Victoria, "God Save the Queen" became the official anthem, reflecting the monarchs gender and was played at state occasions and public events. It was used again to promote British Dominance and dominion over the globe. This recording is the earliest ever recording of the Anthem, sometime in the 1880s.
During the reign of King Edward VII (1901-1910), "God Save the King" was played during the coronation ceremony, and the anthem was widely used to promote national pride and patriotism. Edward VII's version is the earliest known vocal recording of the Anthem.
Under King George V (1910-1936), the anthem remained unchanged and was played during World War I as a symbol of national unity and strength.
During the reign of King Edward VIII (1936), "God Save the King" was used, but he abdicated before anything could have happened to the anthem.
Under King George VI (1936-1952), like his father the anthem was very popular in wartime as a sign of strength and willpower in the UK.
Under the late Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022), the anthem had remained unchanged expect for the pronouns and was still played at national events, such as the changing of the guard and state visits.
Charles III's reign has only began, but as of today (12/5/23) it remains the same as in previous years. Though some people have mentioned that since 'Charles' is a one syllable word like 'George' the anthem could go back to naming the monarch, but we will see.
0:00 - Introduction
0:18 - George II, III, and IV (1745 - 1830)
2:30 - William IV (1830 - 1837)
3:20 - Victoria (1837 - 1901)
3:57 - Edward VII (1901 - 1910)
4:53 - George V (1910 - 1936)
5:41 - Edward VIII (1936)
6:40 - George VI (1936 - 1952)
9:06 - Elizabeth II (1952 - 2022)
11:42 - Charles III (2023 - )
13:53 - Endcard
Long Live Charles III !
