QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER CELEBRATES HER 100TH BIRTHDAY

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Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon was born on August 4, 1900, the ninth of ten children of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Her birth took place in the last months of the reign of Queen Victoria.

Attractive and vivacious, Elizabeth was admired as one of the most eligible young women of her day. One of her suitors was Prince Albert, the shy second son of King George V and Queen Mary, who was attracted by ElizabethÕs outgoing nature. She was initially reluctant to accept his proposal but his persistence finally paid off and they were married in April 1923, becoming the Duke and Duchess of York.

The YorksÕ first child, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, was born in 1926 at the family home in Bruton Street, London. A second daughter, Margaret Rose, was born four years later.

The YorksÕ quiet family life came to an abrupt end in December 1936 when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Shy, hesitant Bertie was proclaimed King George VI and Elizabeth became Queen. Their coronation took place in May 1937.

Throughout World War II, the King and Queen remained in London with their daughters, boosting the morale of Londoners suffering nightly bombing raids during the Blitz. After Buckingham Palace was bombed the Queen declared she was Òalmost gladÓ as she could now Òlook the East End in the face.Ó

Prime Minister Winston Churchill joined the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to mark Victory in Europe celebrations in May 1945. The period of stability that followed the war came to a premature end, however, when the King died of cancer in February 1952.

The widowed Queen Mother retreated to Scotland, buying and restoring the remote Castle of Mey on the northernmost coast. Always interested in outdoor pursuits, she also developed a passion for horse racing and subsequently owned a string of steeplechase winners. Before long she resumed her public duties, and soon became as busy as Queen Mother as she had been as Queen.

Despite the troubles afflicting the Royal Family in recent years, including the divorces of three of the QueenÕs children and the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Queen Mother has remained in the forefront of public affection. Her birthdays have become an annual ritual, with crowds gathering outside her London home to greet her with presents and flowers. This year there will be more than ever.