LONDON (voa) – Britain’s Queen Mother Elizabeth at a gathering for her 101st birthday celebration August 4, 2001 Britain’s Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother died in her sleep (Saturday) at Windsor Castle. She was 101-years old.
Buckingham Palace says she died with her daughter Queen Elizabeth the Second at her side Saturday afternoon. Buckingham Palace officials said the Queen Mother’s health had become increasingly frail over the last several months.
The Queen Mother – affectionately known as the Queen Mum – was one of the most well-loved members of Britain’s royal family. She was called a symbol of the monarchy and an icon of the 20th century.
Born Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Elizabeth married George the VI and became queen when her husband’s brother abdicated in 1936. As Queen, Elizabeth was hailed for her fortitude during World War II when she refused to leave London during German bombings. After her husband’s death in 1952 the Queen Mother kept her public profile as a humanitarian and the “crown jewel” of the royal family.
The Queen Mother’s coffin is expected to be moved to the Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor Great Park on Sunday morning.
