Elizabeth, “Queen Mum”

Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, or Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (1900–2002), was the wife (Queen Consort) of George VI, King of Great Britain. The “Queen Mum,” as she was known in later life, was mother to Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. Queen Elizabeth was an iconic figure of 20th-century Western motherhood and grandmotherhood.

Elizabeth was born in England and grew up in Scotland, mostly at her family home in Glamis Castle. She was the ninth of 10 children. Her father became the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and as a child she played with the children of nobility, but technically, she was a commoner. She was educated mostly at home by French and German tutors. Ironically, World War I began on her 14th birthday, and Glamis Castle was converted into a hospital. Elizabeth served notably in the hospital, helping to care for injured service members. This service foreshadowed her future role as a dignified, service-oriented role model for the country.

When she was in her early 20s, Albert, the Duke of York and son of King Edward V, proposed to her four times. Elizabeth was reluctant about accepting the responsibility, even after she received a visit from the queen. In 1923, Elizabeth finally agreed to marry Albert and became the Duchess of York. In 1926, she gave birth to Elizabeth II, the first of two daughters. When baby Elizabeth was 8 months old, the Duke and Duchess embarked on a four-month journey to Australia and New Zealand, leaving the child behind. This was not an uncommon practice, and Elizabeth II was lovingly cared for by nannies and relatives.

Elizabeth and Albert welcomed their second daughter, Margaret, in 1930. Although busy with official duties, the Royal Family was said to have a close-knit, loving relationship. In fact, the quality of Elizabeth and Albert's marriage would later be a crucial factor in determining their destinies. Although there were many surrogates such as nannies and tutors present in their children's' lives, the two parents spent as much time as possible with the girls. One of the Royal Family's favorite events was the annual Christmas pantomime, staged by the children for the parents.