King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (nee Bowes Lyon)

[TampaBay]

She did her job!

TampaBay

[Alexandre64]

[Alexandre64]

[Alexander1917]

Tuesday, 24 Feb. 2009
The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edingburgh, will unveil the memorial to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in The Mall...

this memorial will be near the KIng Georg VI memorial

[LadyTudorRose]

Beautiful pictures, Alexandre! Very few women could pull of a tiara as well as the late Queen Mother.

[Eddie_uk]

Tuesday, 24 Feb. 2009
The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edingburgh, will unveil the memorial to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in The Mall...

this memorial will be near the KIng Georg VI memorial

Thank you for the information I will try and attend!!

This is very interesting...
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pFr5iNg7fPY
The footage of QE reminiscing is very interesting.

[joan_d]

I was browsing through a newly-published book recently "Letters of Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire and Patrick Leigh Fermour".  It was interesting to see that the Duchess attended the Queen Mother's funeral and referred to the QM as "Cake".  Obviously this is the nickname that was used by the upper echelons.

The QM is frequently referred to as "Cookie" on this messageboard.   As we don't actually have cookies in England (we eat biscuits : ), perhaps this is yet another example of an Americanism !!!!!!

[emeraldeyes1969]

The QM is frequently referred to as "Cookie" on this messageboard.   As we don't actually have cookies in England (we eat biscuits : ), perhaps this is yet another example of an Americanism !!!!!!

An Americanism coined by the American Duchess of Windsor. 

[Grace]

And doesn't really refer to biscuits/cookies anyway.  Wallis allegedly referred to Elizabeth as a "fat Scottish cook" so that's where the diminutive comes from.

[joan_d]

My posting was only commenting on the fact that within the upper echelons of British Society, the QM was obviously referred to as "Cake".     If the Duchess of Windsor coined the nickname "Cookie" - well that was a nickname used by the Duchess of Windsor.   I am not so au fait with the backstairs' gossip as some posters on this board so thank you for enlightening me.

[mcdnab]

The Cake was reputedly coined by the Duchess of Devonshire - others included - Grinners - a favourite with beaton and a few of his set i  think from memory (hence their nickname for the ocean liner the Queen Elizabeth - the Grinning Lizzie

[Alexandre64]

[joan_d]

Did anyone watch the Channel 4 show Backstairs Billy - all about the QM's butler Billy Tallon who worked at Clarence House for over 50 years.    If ever anyone needed convincing that the QM was one of the most pampered women on the planet, this programme would have left them in no doubt.  Champagne, Pimms, Dubonnet galore - it was just one long rolicking party at Clarence House.

[Grace]

Didn't see the show but I do agree that the Queen Mother did live a very luxurious and pampered life.  I don't think too many people would disagree with this.

[emeraldeyes1969]

I'm in the middle of reading "The Last Great Edwardian Lady" by Ingrid Seward and it has shed a great deal of light on the lifestyle that QEQM was accustomed to.  One morsel claimed that she would have a couple of gin and Dubonnets before luncheon.  Just for kicks, I decided to fix myself one of these drinks just to see what it is like (HM The Queen also drinks these) - 1/3 gin and 2/3 Dubonnet, a slice of lemon (not a wedge), and two ice cubes.  Let me tell you, these things are not for the faint of heart! 
When entertaining a house party at the weekend, QEQM would have a tray of martinis brought up to drink while she dresssed for dinner, and would usually have a half-bottle of champagne with dinner. 
With a great-gran setting an example like that, it's easy to see where Harry gets his taste for indulging! lol...
An amusing read if you have the time and inclination, and if you are able to find it cheap - lots of pictures of absolutely hideous hats!