Ode to a Wedding, 26 April, 1923 - 88 Years Ago

Strathmore Rose Tiara given to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon by her father Claude on the occasion of her Wedding, 1923

The more things change the more things stay the same!

Eighty eight years ago, on 26 April, 1923, Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon married Prince Albert Duke of York. As Queen Consort of King George VI (known to her as 'Bertie' and subject of the acclaimed film The King's Speech), she was known as the 'Smiling Duchess' for her affable demeanor; Queen Mum to the world, real mum to Elizabeth (current Queen Elizabeth II) and Margaret. Albert proposed to this feisty lady three times before she finally accepted, being "afraid never, never again to be free to think, speak, and act as I feel I really ought to." And, so, Albert married this commoner, considered quite the gesture of Royal modernization at the time. In true maverick form, Elizabeth began the traditions of exchanging vows in Westminster Abbey and placing her Wedding bouquet at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every Royal Wedding has since followed suit in both endeavors. Widowed at the age of 51 she assumed the position of family matriarch and embodied traditional family values and strong ethics of public service. She lived a long life to 101, and was very much well loved.

So, as we look forward to Ye Royal Wedding this 29 April, 2011 between Prince William and Catherine Middleton we may reflect on this definition of Wedding: 'to be obstinately attached or devoted to an activity, belief, or system; a pledge of your love and your life to another'. Enjoy the Celebration - Cheers!!!