George VI of the United Kingdom

Marriage

Albert had a great deal of freedom in choosing a prospective wife. In 1920 he met Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the youngest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore and set his sights on marrying her. She rejected his proposal twice and hesitated for nearly two years because she was reluctant to make the sacrifices necessary to become a member of the royal family. He would be 'made or marred' by his choice of wife and after a long and determined courtship she agreed to marry him. He could not have chosen a more appropriate bride and they were married on 26 April 1923 in Westminster Abbey. The newly-formed BBC wished to record and broadcast the event on radio, but the Archbishop of Canterbury Randall Thomas Davidson, vetoed the idea because "men in public houses may listen to the ceremony with their hats on". Lady Elizabeth was styled Her Royal Highness The Duchess of York after their marriage.

Related Topics:
Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon - 26 April - 1923 - Westminster Abbey - BBC - Radio - Archbishop of Canterbury - Randall Thomas Davidson - Public houses

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The Duke and Duchess of York had two children:

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• Elizabeth II (born April 21 1926)
• Princess Margaret (August 21, 1930 — February 9 2002).