Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was born on August 4, 1900, at St. Paul’s Walden Bury, Hertfordshire, England. She was the youngest daughter of Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and his wife, Cecilia Cavendish-Bentinck. She was known as “Elizabeth” within her family and was known for her outgoing and independent personality.
As a child, Elizabeth was educated privately at home, and her education included music, art, and literature. She had a keen interest in horse riding, and as a teenager, she competed in local equestrian events. She also became interested in nursing, and during World War I, she volunteered as a nurse and worked in hospitals in London.
After the war, Elizabeth continued to be involved in charitable work and made her debut in society. She was considered a suitable match for a member of the royal family, and in 1923 she met Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI) through her mother, Lady Strathmore. They began a courtship, and in 1926, they were married in Westminster Abbey, and Elizabeth became the Duchess of York. Elizabeth’s youth was marked by her interest in charitable work and her support of the arts. She also became a mother to two daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, during her youth. Before becoming a queen consort, her life as a royal was busy but fulfilling, as she supported her husband and involved herself in many charitable causes while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for her children.
As the wife of the Duke of York, Elizabeth supported her husband in his official duties and also became involved in charitable work. She was particularly interested in helping disadvantaged children and was a patron of several organizations that focused on children’s welfare. She supported the arts and patronized the Royal Opera House and the Royal Ballet.
In 1936, her husband ascended to the throne as King George VI following the abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII. As queen consort, Elizabeth supported her husband throughout his reign and was known for her charitable work and her support of the arts. She also supported her husband during World War II, making several public appearances to boost morale.
After the death of King George VI in 1952, Elizabeth was known as Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. She continued to be involved in public life and made regular appearances at events and ceremonies. She was known for her sense of style and love of horse racing and was a frequent presence at the Royal Ascot horse race.
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, lived to the age of 101 and passed away on March 30, 2002. She was widely mourned by the British people and was given a state funeral. She is remembered as a beloved and respected figure who symbolized continuity and stability during a time of significant change in British history.
Here are some interesting photos from her childhood, youth, and life.
