| How the Queen fulfilled the dying wish of "Grandmama" |
|
|
|
| Written by Joanne Leyland | |
| Sunday, 30 October 2005 | |
|
Page 1 of 2 Fact: Queen Mary died on 24th March 1953, a little over 2 months before
the Coronation of her beloved granddaughter. But did you know that the indomitable Dowager Queen DID indeed witness the crowning of
Elizabeth II...
Even at the age of 85 Queen Mary was still a force to be reckoned with.
Despite failing health caused by a recurrence of gastric problems, King
George V's widow told those around her that her "dearest wish" was to
live long enough to attend the Coronation ceremony due to take place
on June 2nd.It was not to be. According to the announcement posted outside Marlborough House, the London home in which she spent her widowhood: "While sleeping peacefully Queen Mary died at twenty minutes past ten o'clock". Queen Elizabeth II is often portrayed as a woman who holds no store by emotion. Not for her the public displays of love for her children, a la Diana, Princess of Wales. But there is another side to our monarch, a side which is frequently on show to those closest to her. And it was this side which helped bring to fruition the last wishes of a dying woman. The months leading up to the Coronation were a frenetic time for the Royal Family, not least for the 26-year-old woman at the centre of everyone's attention. 
One person in particular was a source of especial concern: her ailing grandmother, Queen Mary. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
