2002 Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Commemoration

Queen Mother commemorative

Date: 5th August 2002
Stamps: Bermuda 30c Duchess of York 1923 and $1.25 Queen Mother on her birthday 1995
Souvenir Sheet: MS891 145mm x 70mm stamps as above less inscription and purple frame.

Benham First Day Cover

Cachet: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900 – 2002
CDS: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900 – 2002 FIRST DAY OF ISSUE BERMUDA 5th AUGUST 2002

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900 – 2002

The remarkable life of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, which spanned over a century, came peacefully to an end on 30 March, 2002 at the astonishing age of 101. An icon of the 20th century, she had played a central role in some of the greatest events in the history of Britain, the Empire and the world.

The elegant and charming Elizabeth Bowes Lyon married Prince AIbert, Duke of York in 1923. Two delightful daughters arrived in due course, Elizabeth in 1926 and Margaret in 1930.

The family’s expectation of a reasonably uneventful future was thrown into complete confusion in 1936 when King Edward VIII, AIbert’s older brother, abdicated. The coronation of George VI took place in 1937, just two years before Britain was plunged into the horror of World War II.

When George VI died in 1952 he left a widow who would, for the next 50 years, be the nation’s darling grandmother. Displaying the strength of character which was the hallmark of her long life, she continued to appear in public, even during periods of ill health, until the last few weeks which were marked by the sad loss of her beloved daughter, Margaret. The Queen Mother’s grace and devotion to duty have earned her a secure place in Britain’s heart.

Photographs:
Front: © PA Photos (right). © Hulton Archive (left).
Back: centre portrait © PA Photos. Insets © Hulton Archive.
Glamis Castle © Corbis

The Queen Mother Stamp Collection First Day Cover

CDS: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900-2002 FIRST DAY OF ISSUE BERMUDA 5th AUGUST 2002
Envelope: The Queen Mother Stamp Collection PO BOX 101 Watford, Herts
Cachet: 1900-2002 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth THE QUEEN MOTHER with Queen Mother waving.

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CDS: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900-2002 FIRST DAY OF ISSUE BERMUDA 5th AUGUST 2002
Envelope: The Queen Mother Stamp Collection PO BOX 101 Watford, Herts
Cachet: 1900-2002 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth THE QUEEN MOTHER with close up portrait