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Debrett's Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
Born when Queen Victoria was still on the throne, the Queen Mother married into the Royal Family in 1923, and has earned a place in the British nation's heart. This book offers a tribute to the Queen Mother.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 2, 2025
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother of the British Royal Family. You’d almost think they didn’t know her… Well, people who aren’t involved with monarchies. The book I’m reading now was originally published in 1990, on the Queen Mum’s 90th birthday. The copy I’m reading was published shortly after her death in 2002. It’s been updated here and there. Besides text, the book also contains many images of this lady, both well-known and lesser-known. It has 128 pages and is large.
The Queen Mum was born when Queen Victoria was on the throne and lived during the reigns of six British monarchs: Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II. She saw many changes in the world and did a fantastic job of keeping up with the times. She rose from a lesser-known family to the position of Duchess of York, having no idea she would one day become queen.
With Edward VIII’s abdication crisis, her husband became king, and she was left with a life she didn’t actually want. As is typical of this remarkable woman, she took on her duty and performed brilliantly. Her role as queen consort and her courage, bravery, and continued support of her husband, George VI, during the Second World War impress me every time I read it.
This is just a small glimpse of what you’ll find in the book. To name a few more examples, her childhood and youth are covered. The start of her relationship with then-Albert, Duke of York. He really had to work hard to get her.
Of course, the years of marriage and the arrival of her children are also included. A key element is, of course, her sudden appointment as queen consort. The death of her husband is covered, followed by her years as Queen Mum. She remained active and regularly made herself seen well into her old age.
Characteristic throughout the book is her tenacity, zest for life, and humour, the latter being particularly striking. All in all, a nice book to look back on the life of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mum.
The Queen Mum was born when Queen Victoria was on the throne and lived during the reigns of six British monarchs: Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II. She saw many changes in the world and did a fantastic job of keeping up with the times. She rose from a lesser-known family to the position of Duchess of York, having no idea she would one day become queen.
With Edward VIII’s abdication crisis, her husband became king, and she was left with a life she didn’t actually want. As is typical of this remarkable woman, she took on her duty and performed brilliantly. Her role as queen consort and her courage, bravery, and continued support of her husband, George VI, during the Second World War impress me every time I read it.
This is just a small glimpse of what you’ll find in the book. To name a few more examples, her childhood and youth are covered. The start of her relationship with then-Albert, Duke of York. He really had to work hard to get her.
Of course, the years of marriage and the arrival of her children are also included. A key element is, of course, her sudden appointment as queen consort. The death of her husband is covered, followed by her years as Queen Mum. She remained active and regularly made herself seen well into her old age.
Characteristic throughout the book is her tenacity, zest for life, and humour, the latter being particularly striking. All in all, a nice book to look back on the life of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mum.
November 27, 2017
A nice book to read
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews