Queen Elizabeth,the Queen Motherhad an undeniableinfluence on the British royal family.
She was crowned queen consort in 1937 following one of the largest crises in the history of the monarchy.
In the midst of this tense situation, Elizabeth defended the crown from claims of illegitimacy.
This was most evident in her decision to exile Edward and Wallis from Britain.
Because of these efforts, Elizabeth encouraged her grandchildren and their partners to protect the monarchy.
Luckily, however, Charles was not totally alone.
As noted in historian Gareth Russell’s book, “Do Let’s Have Another Drink!
Apparently, the time that the young prince spent with his grandmother was lighthearted and full of support.
Indeed, some sources indicate that the elder Elizabeth did everything in her power to nurture Charles' development.
This was especially evident in Elizabeth’s approach toward Charles' artistic interests.
He recites Shakespeare on the fly and loves painting and watercolors.
Yeah, so I think that came from her.”
As a result, she did not have much power in an official capacity.
But that didn’t stop her from using her infamous charm to influence the powerful people in her family.
During George’s time as king of England, Elizabeth played a major role in shaping his opinions.
The strong inference was that the queen mother had persuaded him to change his mind."
The Queen Mother was said to be close withPrincess Anne, as well.
One member of the royal family who neither Elizabeth nor Anne found especially suitable was the ill-fatedPrincess Diana.
Anne, in particular, was concerned thatDiana’s tumultuous relationship with the presswould reflect poorly on the crown.
Wood said that Anne “viewed them both as lessening the stature of the Royal Family.
Too much tabloid for her.”
Fascinatingly, the Queen Mother seemed to share Anne’s concerns.
Somebody who might conceivably pull the monarchy down."
Apparently, Elizabeth would occasionally send unnerving glances in Diana’s direction, leaving the princess quaking.
Diana told Gilbey, “His grandmother is always looking at me with a strange look in her eyes.
‘It’s not hatred; it’s sort of interest and pity mixed in one.
I am not quite sure.
I don’t understand it.
That would have been her attitude,” Bond shared.
After all, Elizabeth did not view divorce as an appropriate path for a royal.
This was certainly true forPrince Edward, who massively humiliated the entire British royal familyin 1987.
While the event did collect funds for good causes, it also embarrassed the crown.
Indeed, the show portrayed the royal family as nothing more than a clown show.
You think, am I giving my taxpayer’s money for this?
It’s nonsense!"
In one fell swoop, Edward had managed to set them up to be complete laughing stocks.
And she, having worked so hard to reposition the family."
She also was said to be furious withPrince Andrewfor participating in the humiliating TV program.
Despite this tension between Andrew and his grandmother, all was not lost in that relationship.
The elder Elizabeth was said to support Andrew in other endeavors, including his unusual relationship withSarah Ferguson.
And, apparently, the Queen Mother supported this arrangement.
When it came to Diana, the Queen Mother liked to pretend she didn’t exist.
Meanwhile, Burgess claimed that the Queen Mother continued to support Sarah no matter how embarrassing her behavior was.
The reason for Elizabeth’s positive relationship with Sophie pertained largely to their shared charitable interests.
And she loved to hear about how much trouble I got into at school."
Elizabeth was not as interested in spending time with Harry as she was with William.
After all, William was the heir to the throne, and Harry was just the spare.
According to at least one royal expert, this discrepancy bothered both Princess Diana and King Charles III.
As historian, Gareth Russell, wrote in his book, “Do Let’s Have Another Drink!
Ultimately, the Queen Mother tried to make up for any of the preferential treatment that she gave William.
When she passed away in 2002, Elizabeth left most of her 14 million fortune to Harry.
Indeed, she reportedly felt that the elder son would always have more financial power than the younger one.
Thus, she used her personal fortune to help even the balance.
