Elizabeth, the Queen mother, died at the incredible age of 101. This monument to her on the Mall near Buckingham Palace epitomises her amazing life . When her husband became King, they were not immediately popular . George VI took the throne in unprecedented circumstances. His brother Edward VIII abdicated to marry his divorced lover Wallis Simpson and he had been an extremely popular monarch. Crowds would follow him wherever he went so George and Elizabeth had a lot to live up to. They were considered a dull second-best replacement but as Elizabeth continued to work hard and show her support for her country, particularly visiting areas affected by the Blitz during World War II, public opinion began to warm towards her. By 1953 when Queen Mary died, Elizabeth had taken her role as the matriarch of the Royals. #thelondonspy #davidharry #queenmother #georgevi #royal #monarchy #buckinghampalace #britishhistory #londonguide #tourguide #royallondon