The Ascension of Charles III as Monarch
Dame Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, affectionately known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, has a special connection to a College that is joining the nation and the Commonwealth in celebrating the Coronation of her grandson, King Charles III.
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who passed away in 2002, was the wife of King George VI and the mother of Queen Elizabeth II. Born as the youngest daughter of Claude George Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, she married Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), in 1923.
The College's chapel holds a significant place in the history of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, as it is the burial site of Dame Elizabeth Bowes. While the exact connection between the College and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother is not explicitly detailed, she was associated with several institutions through patronages and honours.
As the Coronation of King Charles III approaches, the College is offering prayers for the Royal Family, asking for God's blessings on King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and all members of the Royal Family as they embark on their call to serve. The College's prayers are not only a tribute to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother but also a recognition of the historical link between King Charles III's ancestor and the College.
The College's participation in the Coronation celebration is a testament to the enduring bond between the institution and the Royal Family. As the nation rejoices in this momentous occasion, the College stands with the people, offering prayers and support to the new King and his Queen.
The College's historical connection to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, whose burial site is in the College's chapel, extends beyond patronages and honours, as she was an advocate for outdoor-living and lifestyle, which aligns with home-and-garden interests that are often associated with the College.
As the College offers prayers for the Royal Family during the approaching Coronation of King Charles III, one can envision Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who was an avid lover of gardens and nature, overlooking the festivities, her connection to the College still reverberating, defying the passage of time.
