A Tribute Page
4th AUGUST 1900 - 30th MARCH 2002
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother died peacefully in
her sleep on Saturday 30th March 2002, at Royal Lodge, Windsor.
Queen Elizabeth was a much-loved member of the Royal
Family. Her life, spanning over a century, was devoted to the service
of her country, the fulfillment of her Royal duties and the support
of her family.
Early Years
Born Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon on August 4, 1900, the Queen Mother
grew up on her family's estate in Scotland. She was educated at
Glamis Castle, the family seat of the Bowes-Lyon family, which was
used as a hospital during World War I. The 14-year old Lady Elizabeth
assisted in caring for the war wounded, establishing a reputation
for charity and community service that would endure throughout her
lifetime.
After a long engagement, Lady Elizabeth married
HRH George VI, the Duke of York on April 26, 1923. They were well
traveled, visiting Kenya, Belgrade, Uganda, Australia and the Sudan
between 1923 and 1927.
The Duke and Duchess of York had two children. Princess
Elizabeth was born on April 26, 1926. Her sister, Princess Margaret,
was born on August 21, 1920 in Glamis Castle.
Sovereigns
King George V died in 1936, leaving the throne to his eldest son,
Edward VIII. King Edward ruled for just ten months and nineteen
days, then abdicated his throne in order to marry an American woman
whom he loved, but had been twice divorced. The Duke and Duchess
of York were crowned TRH King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on May
12, 1937.
War
Soon after their coronation, Europe was once again enveloped by
war. On the outbreak of World War II and increasingly severe attacks
against England, pressure built for the Queen and her children to
evacuate to North America. "The children will not leave unless
I do. I shall not leave unless their father does, and the King will
not leave the country in any circumstances whatsoever." The
entire family remained in England, enduring the bombing of Buckingham
Palace and earning the love and respect of their subjects by persevering
in the face of danger.
After the war, the King and Queen continued a series
of Commonwealth tours.
King George died on February 6, 1952. Queen Elizabeth
retired her position as Queen to her daughter Elizabeth, and adopted
the title Queen Mother.
Queen Mother
Since the death of her husband, the Queen Mother has served impressed
her country and the world with her devotion and energy. She has
made numerous visits overseas, and remains active in many organizations
within and without the UK.
100 Years
The Queen Mother celebrated her 100th Birthday on August 4, 2000.
In honor of this great woman, countries around the world, many of
which she has visited personally, marked the occasion by issuing
limited-edition commemorative stamps.
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This page was written by Vietvet70 (an American friend)
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