Queen Mary, Queen Mother, QEII

Posted by Inko on October 25, 1997 at 22:45:36:

In response to Mother dear Mother, written by Stolzi on October 24, 1997 at 13:31:40

] But I did want to contribute that when I was a gel, there were three queens living: Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and the Dowager Queen Mary (widow of George V). There is an exquisitely moving photograph of these three women, all veiled in deep black, at the funeral of King George VI.
]
] I do not know if Queen Mary was known as "The Queen Mother" during the reign of her son George VI. (and the oh-so-brief reign of her older son, Edward VIII). If she was this would disprove the story of the present Queen Mother objecting to the title of Dowager Queen.

] Hope nobody missed the pronunciation of "gel." :)

]

I remember that photo of the three generations of Queens all dressed in black. I also remember that Queen Mary was always known as Queen Mary, and the very name brought to mind a very stiff, formal, straight-laced old lady!! I think Queen Elizabeth had to become the Queen Mother to avoid confusion with her daughter, Queen Elizabeth. Then, over the years, Queen Mother became shortened to Queen Mum--partly because she was so well loved and partly because of greater freedom and informality in the press.

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