More on the Queen Mother....

Posted by Clare on October 24, 1997 at 12:19:17:

In response to Queen Mum, written by Carolyn on October 23, 1997 at 16:50:51

The unofficial title of 'Queen Mum' only became attached to Queen Elizabeth after the death of her husband the King. Prior to that, she was the Queen or Queen Consort. To distinguish her from her daughter Queen Elizabeth II they began refering to her as the Queen('s) Mother.

Actually, the widow of a king should really be called the "Dowager Queen", (as, I believe, should be any widow of nobility, ie The Dowager Duchess, The Dowager Countess, The Dowager Baroness, etc...)

However, it is my understanding that Queen(Consort) Elizabeth (wife of George and mother of QEII) HATED the word "dowager"- made her think of some old lady stooped over with a "dowager" hump! Therefore, she insisted on being called something else- and "The Queen('s) Mother" fit the bill.

REPLIES:

• Mother dear Mother Stolzi 13:31:40 10/24/97 (2)
  • Dowagers Laura Wallace 16:47:41 11/15/97 (0)
  • Queen Mary, Queen Mother, QEII Inko 22:45:36 10/25/97 (0)

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