She was never meant to be Queen—but became one of the most iconic royals of the 20th century. As we mark the 125th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s birth, discover how a reluctant consort became a national symbol of strength, dignity, and quiet resilience.
Read the full story behind her enduring legacy.
125 Years of the Queen Mother: Celebrating a Century of Grace and Grit
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother—an extraordinary royal figure whose influence still resonates through the corridors of British history. Born on August 4, 1900, her life spanned a century of upheaval, transformation, and resilience. As we commemorate this milestone, we also take a moment to honour her remarkable legacy: one of quiet strength, duty, and enduring national affection.
A Queen by Circumstance, A Matriarch by Nature
Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon was never expected to wear the crown. In fact, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon rejected Prince Albert’s marriage proposal three times before eventually saying yes, “afraid never, never again to be free to think, speak and act as I feel I really ought to”.
A daughter of Scottish nobility, she married Prince Albert, Duke of York, in 1923 and embraced a supportive role in the Royal Family. She was popular with the public, earning the nickname “Smiling Duchess” because of her consistent, indomitable spirit.
But history had other plans. When King Edward VIII abdicated in 1936, Albert was unexpectedly thrust onto the throne and became King George VI, and Elizabeth became Queen Consort.
Thrown into the spotlight in the lead-up to the Second World War, she became more than a symbol—she became a source of strength for a nation under siege. Famously refusing to leave London during the Blitz, she stood beside the King and among her people.
“The children won’t go without me. I won’t leave The King. And The King will never leave.”
Adolf Hitler once reportedly called her “the most dangerous woman in Europe.” That’ll do for a legacy.
A Royal Life of Lasting Impact
The Queen Mother’s influence extended well beyond wartime. She helped shape the monarchy’s image in the 20th century, balancing tradition with the need for accessibility. Her warmth and wit charmed the public, even as she maintained the regal poise expected of her position.
Even after her husband’s death in 1952, she remained a towering figure in royal life. She continued her public duties well into her nineties and attended events with that signature glint in her eye. When she passed away in 2002, aged 101, the nation mourned a living link to a golden age.
Marking the Milestone with Craftsmanship and Care
The 125th anniversary of her birth offers a rare opportunity to reflect on her impact—and to celebrate it meaningfully. Over the years, several commemorative coins have honoured the Queen Mother: from centenary issues in 2000, to designs from international mints paying tribute to her legacy. But this year brings something new.
Our own commemorative Queen Mother 125th Anniversary Gold Sovereign strikes a delicate balance between history and artistry. Designed by Jody Clark, artist behind the fifth and final coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, this limited-edition coin brings a modern sensibility to a timeless subject. It’s not just a piece of gold, it’s a tribute crafted with respect, detail, and a touch of majesty.
Why We Still Remember
In an age where the monarchy often feels like it straddles two worlds, ancient institution and modern celebrity machine, the Queen Mother reminds us what royalty used to mean: steadfastness, dignity, and a refusal to flee when things got hard.
Her legacy is more than historical. It’s personal. It’s national. And yes, it’s worth remembering.
Did you know we’ve released a Queen Mother Sovereign?
2025 marks the 125th anniversary of the birth of the Queen Mother, whose resilience and grace during the most turbulent chapters of the 20th century made her a beloved public figure. She lived for a remarkable 101 years, fifty of those as a widow, and remained active in public life until her death in 2002.
To celebrate her life and legacy, on the 125th anniversary of her birth, a new gold sovereign coin has been struck. This is the first sovereign coin ever to feature The Queen Mother’s portrait! It’s hard to imagine that the Queen Mother would not, at some stage in her 101 years, have featured on a gold sovereign, so significant was her contribution to the Royal Family and so beloved was she by the British public.
However, the first commemorative gold sovereign coin was issued in 1989, by which time The Queen Mother was already 89 years of age! In fact, during The Queen Mother’s lifetime there were only two different commemorative sovereigns released. Although released more frequently today, they still require an event of ‘suitable significance’ to receive approval. This year marks the 125th anniversary of The Queen Mother’s birth, and this has received the necessary governmental and Palace approvals to allow for the striking of this ‘first of a kind’ gold sovereign.