It’s a bittersweet day for the Queen and her
family, as Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of her mother Elizabeth
Bowes-Lyon’s death.
The Queen Mother died peacefully aged 101, on 30 March
2002, with the monarch, her only surviving daughter, at her side.
It’s been an emotional week for the Queen who
attended the memorial service of her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh at
Westminster Abbey on Tuesday – the same location as her mother’s funeral. Huge
crowds watched the funeral procession on 9 April 2002 as the Queen Mother’s
coffin was transported from St James’ Palace to Westminster Hall.
The Queen and her mother were very close, and it’s said
that Her Majesty often confided in her over the years. The pair were known for
their shared love of horses and horse racing.
Born Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon on 4 August
1900, she became Queen consort following the abdication of her brother-in-law,
King Edward VIII. Following the unexpected death of the Queen’s father King
George VI in 1952, the young monarch was said to have strengthened her bond
with her mother.
 |
The Queen and her mother were very close
The Queen Mother passed away at Royal Lodge, her Windsor
residence. Her health had been deteriorating and she had suffered from a cold
during the months leading up to her death. Her passing came just seven weeks
after the death of her youngest daughter, Princess Margaret.
A popular member of the royal family, the Queen Mother was
known for her joyful spirit, which earned her the nickname the “smiling
duchess”. She remained committed to her public life and active in her
duties up until a few months before her death. The beloved matriarch outlived
her late husband by 50 years.
 |
Prince Charles at the Queen Mother’s funeral in 2002
Buckingham Palace released a statement on 30 March 2002,
which read: “The Queen, with the greatest sadness, has asked for the
following announcement to be made immediately: her beloved mother, Queen
Elizabeth, died peacefully in her sleep this afternoon at Royal Lodge, Windsor.
Members of the royal family have been informed.”
