Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
The mother of our dear Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Consort tot he late King George VI, the late Queen Mother was an example to us all. She is best remembered for her moral support to the British people during World War Two --- and her longevity, as this Queen lived until she was 101 years of age!
Born in 1900, Elizabeth was the fourth child of Lord and Lady Glamis and she spent much of her childhood in Glamis Castle. When Elizabeth was 14, War broke out and Glamis Castle became a hospital, with this little lady doing her best to 'keep morale up.'
Prince Albert and Elizabeth fell in love in 1921 --- and after 3 proposals --- Elizabeth finally agreed to marry "Bertie." The wedding was on 26th April, 1923, at Westminster Abbey and the bride laid her wedding bouquet at the tomb of "The Unknown Warrior."
Their first child was born in 1926, the Princess Elizabeth, and their second child was born in 1930, the Princess Margaret. Bertie's father died in 1936 and now Albert became King George VI, with both being crowned at Westminster Abbey in 1937.
World War Two started and it was mentioned that Elizabeth and the two little Princesses should evacuate to safety to Canada, but Elizabeth said:
"The children won't go without me. I won't go without the King. And the King will never leave."
Thus, the Royal family 'stuck it out' with their people, with Buckingham Palace being bombed in 1940: "I'm glad we've been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the East End in the face," Elizabeth said at the time.
After seeing England through World War Two, King George VI died in 1952 and Elizabeth did her best to carry on with her Royal duties, becoming more busier than ever. She proudly watched her daughter's Coronation and the growth of her family when both daughters married and had children.
Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, died peacefully in her sleep in 2002 with her daughter Elizabeth II by her side. The funeral wreath was placed on the tomb of "The Unknown Warrior", just as her wedding bouquet was!
If you'd like to read a more detailed article, clink on the link "The Queen Mother" --- it's worth your time reading about such a lovely lady who had such a kind heart.