An Album of British Royal Weddings

The Duke of York and Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, April 26, 1923
George V's second son proposed more than once to Elizabeth, but she rebuffed his overtures, fearing the burdens of royal life, until finally relenting in 1923. Their union was groundbreaking in that Elizabeth was technically a commoner, and up to that time, royals were expected to marry other princes and princesses. George's freedom to choose her represented a gesture in the direction of political moderation for the royal family. He would ascend to the throne after his brother abdicated (see following slide). Later in life, Elizabeth would be popularly known as the Queen Mum.

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