King George V's visit to Bognor in 1929 was a pivotal moment in the town's history, leading to its official renaming as "Bognor Regis."
The primary purpose of his three-month stay, from February to May 1929, was for recuperation from a serious illness. The King had undergone lung surgery in December 1928 for septicaemia and pleurisy, and his doctors believed that the sea air and mild climate of Bognor would aid his slow recovery. He resided at Craigwell House in Aldwick, just outside Bognor, which offered privacy and proximity to the sea.
During his convalescence, the royal couple received visits from various members of the Royal Family, including their granddaughter, the future Queen Elizabeth II. The King's health significantly improved during his time in Bognor.
As a gesture of gratitude and to acknowledge the town's role in his recovery, King George V granted Bognor the suffix "Regis" (Latin for "of the King") by royal consent on July 26, 1929. This elevated the town's status and significantly boosted its reputation as a seaside resort.
Despite the positive outcome, a persistent anecdote suggests that the King was not particularly fond of Bognor. His alleged dying words, when told he might soon be well enough to revisit the town, were "Bugger Bognor!" While there's debate over the exact phrasing, it highlights a supposed lack of enthusiasm for the resort. Nonetheless, his visit undeniably put Bognor on the map and gave it its lasting royal connection.
