The Title of Queen Mary: Widow of George V and Her Legacy After Elizabeth II's Coronation
Queen Mary, widow of George V, held a prominent and revered position in British royal history. After her granddaughter Elizabeth II ascended to the throne, Queen Mary's title and role evolved, reflecting the intricate family dynamics and evolving royal traditions of the time.
Evolving Titles and Styles
Following the coronation of Elizabeth II, who became Queen Elizabeth II, the title of Queen Mary, previously known as the widow of George V, became a subject of interest and debate. Specifically, Queen Mary was referred to as Queen Mary or Queen Mary of the United Kingdom. This change in nomenclature came as Elizabeth II's mother, who had earlier been known as the Queen Mother, was becoming more widely recognized in the public domain.
Queen Mary's Insistence on Her Title
Despite the change in her granddaughter's reign as well as her daughter's prominence as the Queen Mother, Queen Mary insisted on being addressed as Queen Mary. This decision was a reflection of her desire to maintain continuity with her long-held title, which she had used since 1910:
"QUEEN MARY!!! There was no need to change her title."
Her strong insistence on her title was a testament to her personal identity and historical significance.
Titles and Styles During and After Coronation
The period following the death of King George VI saw further evolutions in the titles and styles of the royal family. Initially, upon the death of George V in 1936, Queen Mary took on the titles of Queen Dowager and Queen Mother. These titles were integral to her status as the mother of the monarch and the senior dowager. However, she chose not to use these titles formally, instead opting for the style:
"Her Majesty Queen Mary"
When King George VI died in 1952, Queen Mary's daughter, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, became the newly widowed consort of the new king, Elizabeth II. Concomitantly, Elizabeth II retained the title of Queen Mother, distinct from her mother's:
"Queen Elizabeth's II mother was styled Queen Mother. Queen Mary insisted on being called Queen Mary just as she had been called since 1910."
The differentiation between the two Queens Elizabeth was made clear, as the title 'Queen Mother' helped specify which of them was being referred to:
"Queen Mary Queen Consort of George V became Dowager Queen to George VI. When he died she was still alive. Queen Elizabeth is wife became Dowager Queen but to tell the difference between the two she was granted the honorific of Queen Mother."
Despite these formal changes, Queen Mary often preferred the title Queen Mary, maintaining a level of consistency with her previous moniker.
The Royal Funeral and Coronation
Despite these changes in titles and styles, the royal family continued to honor the traditions and customs of the time. Queen Mary's funeral took place in March 1953, and it was conducted with full honors. Her death also influenced the coronation of her granddaughter, Elizabeth II, which proceeded as scheduled on June 2, 1953. The coronation served as a symbolic continuation of the British monarchy, marking a period of transition and legacy:
"Queen Mary died in March 1953 and the mourning period was abbreviated. She had full honours for her funeral and the coronation of her granddaughter went ahead as planned on June 2, 1953."
The combined coronation and funeral rites underscored the seamless transition and the enduring legacy of Queen Mary within the British royal family.
Ancillary Information
Certainly, the title 'Queen Mother' was not exclusively created for Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. It was a role that had existed in the royal family for some time and was acknowledged in previous times. A 1947 magazine cover showing Queen Mary’s image with the title 'Queen Mother' further reinforces this notion, proving that the title had historical significance and was not solely invented for Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.
"Oh and to preempt all those who will no doubt claim that Mary was not Queen Mother and that the title was created solely for Elizabeth Bowes Lyon I'll just leave this 1947 magazine cover here:"
This evidence supports the established historical context and the continuity of the title within the royal lineage.
Conclusion
The title and role of Queen Mary as the widow of George V and subsequent to the ascension of Elizabeth II to the throne were critical in maintaining the traditions and status of the British monarchy. The title 'Queen Mary' accurately reflects her long-standing and significant position within the royal family, and her insistence on this title highlights the importance of her personal and historical identity.
The evolving titles and styles within the royal family illustrate the nuances of royal tradition and the ongoing legacy of Queen Mary and the broader context of British royalty.