The death of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, although expected, is a moment of sadness for the British nation as a whole and more particularly for those whose lives have been lived, in part, in parallel with hers. It is perhaps difficult for younger generations to understand the special affection felt for her by people who remember the stressful circumstances in which her husband came to the Throne in 1936 following the abdication of his brother Edward VIII. George VI was not naturally fitted for the role of King but he assumed it as his duty and found enormous strength beside him in the person of his wife Elizabeth. She helped him through what was an ordeal for him and no sooner had they established themselves in the public's affection than an even sterner test presented itself in the outbreak of the Second World War. Again, in her supportive role, Elizabeth was an immense strength to her husband and through him to the nation. Their determination to remain at Buckingham Palace during the Blitz (and her often quoted remark after bombs fell in the garden there - Now I can look the eastenders in the eye) was a potent factor in maintaining public morale at that hard time.
A great lady
31/03/2002 00:00
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