Meaning: The quote mentions Edward VIII's abdication and the subsequent ascension of his brother George VI to the throne, along with the lesser-known fact that George VI had a stammer. The quote reflects the sentiment that while historical events such as the abdication and the stammer are well-known, the details of how George VI overcame his speech impediment are often overlooked.

Edward VIII's abdication in 1936 was a pivotal moment in British history. He renounced the throne in order to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson, causing a constitutional crisis and leading to the ascension of his brother George VI. George VI, formerly known as Albert, Duke of York, reluctantly became king following his brother's abdication. His reign was marked by the tumultuous events of World War II, during which he provided steadfast leadership to the British people.

One of the lesser-known aspects of George VI's reign was his struggle with a stammer. The king's speech impediment became widely known when it was portrayed in the 2010 film "The King's Speech," in which actor Geoffrey Rush played Lionel Logue, the speech therapist who helped George VI overcome his stammer. Rush's quote suggests that while many people are familiar with the existence of the king's speech impediment, they may not be aware of the details of how he addressed it.

The story of how George VI overcame his stammer is both inspiring and informative. Despite initially being hesitant to seek treatment, the king was eventually persuaded by his wife, Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother), to work with Lionel Logue, an Australian speech therapist. Logue's unorthodox methods and close personal rapport with the king played a crucial role in helping George VI gain confidence and improve his speech.

The process of overcoming his stammer was not easy for George VI. It required dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to confront his fears and anxieties. Through regular speech therapy sessions, breathing exercises, and vocal drills, the king made significant progress in managing his stammer. His determination and hard work were crucial in enabling him to deliver important speeches with confidence, including during the challenging period of World War II.

The successful treatment of George VI's stammer not only had a profound impact on his personal life but also on the perception of the monarchy as a whole. His ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with the public helped to strengthen the bond between the royal family and the people of Britain during a time of great uncertainty and hardship.

In conclusion, the quote by Geoffrey Rush sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of George VI's life – his struggle with a stammer and the steps he took to overcome it. The story of how the king addressed his speech impediment is a testament to the power of determination, support, and the willingness to seek help. By sharing this quote and the historical context surrounding it, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human side of a significant figure in British history and appreciate the resilience and courage that enabled George VI to find his voice.