The Queen Mother (Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon)

The Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, was the wife of King George VI and the mother of Queen Elizabeth II. She became widely beloved for her dignity, warmth, and public service, especially during WWII, when she boosted national morale. Originally a British noblewoman, she married George VI in 1923. After his accession in 1936, she adopted the title Queen Elizabeth, later known as the Queen Mother to distinguish her from her daughter. She played a key role in royal duties and charitable work throughout her life, maintaining a steady presence in public life until her death in 2002 at age 101, making her one of the longest-lived members of the royal family.