The Queen Mother Passes the Century Mark

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, born the Honourable Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon on the 4th of August 1900, has joined the group of healthy centenarians. The Queen Mother, widow of King George VI, has for generations been one of the most popular members of Britain's Royal Family. Adding to her popularity was her decision, at age 95, to undergo surgery for a second hip replacement. The Queen Mother had already had one hip replaced in a routine operation in 1995. Britain marked the 100th birthday of the Queen Mother with a pageant mixing military bands and carnival floats. With the aid of two walking sticks the Queen Mother mounted stairs to a special stage and, despite her age and the heat, insisted on standing through the royal salute of 7, 000 troops.