Meghan Markle‘s 37th birthday on August 4 is a big day forthe royal family. Not only does it mark Meghan’s first official birthday as the Duchess of Sussex, it’s also the birthday of another important royal: the late Queen Mum,Queen Elizabeth‘s beloved mother.
The Queen Mum and her husband unexpectedly claimed the throne (following the abdication of Prince Edward over his marriage to American divorcée Wallis Simpson) in 1937, and she immediately made it the central duty of her and her family.
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She was so dedicated that when World War II began and officials suggested she move with her children to North America, she famously responded, “The children will not leave unless I do. I shall not leave unless their father does, and the King will not leave the country in any circumstances whatsoever.”
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When her husband died in 1952, many thought the Queen Mum would become a recluse since she was so devoted to her husband — but she stayed active because of her obligations to her family and the people. She was also especially close with her grandsonPrince Charles.
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The Queen Mum also cared deeply about her great-grandchildren.According toThe Guardian, she placed £19 million in trusts for them to be passed on after she died in March 2002. She left the bulk of her estate, between £50 and £70 million toQueen Elizabeth. (Princess Margaret died less than two months before her mother.)
Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth in 2018.Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
The Queen Mum’s primary legacy is that she was one of the most popular members of the monarchy,according to Ipsos, and probably played a big role in how beloved the family is today.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
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Meghan Markle will be celebrating her birthday this year at thewedding of one of Prince Harry’s best friends, Charlie Van Sttraubenzee, to Daisy Jenks. Last year, she and Harry spent her birthday in Africa on a safari vacation.
source: people.com
