Royals: George VI & The Queen Mother's Love Story

Prince Albert, Bertie, was the shy, stammering younger brother of the charismatic heir, Edward. Elizabeth, Lilibet, was a confident, outgoing daughter of a Scottish aristocrat. Their initial attraction, upon meeting in 1926, wasn't widely expected.

In 1923, Prince Albert ("Bertie") and Lady Elizabeth met at a shooting party organized by Lady Elizabeth's cousin, Princess Mary. The shy and nervous Bertie was instantly smitten with the vivacious and confident Elizabeth.

Despite his infatuation, Bertie, the Duke of York, was initially hesitant to pursue a relationship. He believed his stammer made him unsuitable for such a vibrant woman, and worried about the responsibilities of marriage.

Elizabeth, however, saw beyond his stutter and recognized his gentle and kind nature. She encouraged him to seek treatment for his stammer and remained a close confidante.

Over time, their friendship blossomed into deeper feelings. Bertie's stutter improved with therapy, and he began expressing his affections more openly. Elizabeth, in turn, grew to depend on his unwavering support and understanding.

Elizabeth's persistence and Bertie's determination eventually won over the family. King George V gave his blessing in 1925, and the couple announced their engagement a year later.

On April 26, 1926, Bertie and Elizabeth married in Westminster Abbey. Their wedding was a joyous occasion, and it marked the beginning of a partnership that would see them through the challenges of a changing world.

Their love story continued even after George VI's untimely death in 1952. Elizabeth, still Queen Mother, remained active in public life for decades, always honoring her husband's memory and carrying forward the values they embraced together.