‘Cuddly’ Queen Mother was ‘steely’ and ‘tough as boots inside’, says expert
ok.co.ukOn March 30 2002, the Queen Mother passed away at the age of 101.The nation mourned its favourite member of the Royal Family, who always had a wide smile and a wave for everyone who met her.
It’s true, the Queen Mother was seen as a sweet and cuddly grandmother. But behind her twinkling eyes was a strong woman with a steely reputation, as Jennie Bond tells OK!.The former BBC royal correspondent recalls: “The Queen Mother was called ‘steel in a velvet glove’ but she was tough as boots inside. “She was the strength behind this shy and timid King who was thrust into a role he never wanted.” While the people of Britain cooed over the charming royal, some members of the monarchy experienced her determined side.
Jennie adds: “Princess Diana once told me that she found the Queen Mother intimidating. She was not the cuddling figure that she was often portrayed to be.” She knew exactly what the public needed from her, displaying her warm and charming character outside of the palace walls.
But, according to Jennie, she was a different woman behind the scenes. “She was very good at her own PR but very different behind closed doors, and terribly right wing.” Two decades on from her death, the Queen displays many of her mother’s most admirable traits. “I think the Queen has a legacy of being so stalwart, dutiful and measured.
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