Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother of the United Kin

Born Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon in London. Daughter of the Earl of Strathmore. Grew up between a townhouse in Mayfair and Glamis Castle in Scotland, one of the most haunted buildings in Britain.

Married Prince Albert, Duke of York, at Westminster Abbey. She'd turned him down twice before saying yes. He stuttered. She adored him anyway.

Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson. Elizabeth's husband became King George VI. She reportedly never forgave the Simpsons for thrusting her shy, stammering husband onto the throne.

Buckingham Palace was bombed by the Luftwaffe during the Blitz. Nine bombs hit. She and the King were in residence. "I'm glad we've been bombed," she said. "It means I can look the East End in the face."

George VI died in his sleep at Sandringham. He was 56. Elizabeth became Queen Mother. She was 51 and expected to fade from public life. Instead, she carried out public engagements for another 50 years.

Died at Royal Lodge, Windsor, at 101. She was lucid until the end. Her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, was at her bedside. The funeral procession drew a million people to the streets of London.