70th birthday for Queen Mary

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May 26, 1937


Queen Mary, the mother of King George VI, celebrated her 70th birthday today, reports the New York Times.  "Telegrams of congratulations from the whole word poured into Marlborough House."   Presents from all the members of the royal family, except the two little princesses, "awaited Queen Mary on her breakfast table.  Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret brought their own presents later in the day.

The Queen was the guest of honor at a family luncheon attended by King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Queen Maud of Norway.  The four royal children, Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret Rose, Prince Edward of Kent and his infant sister, Princess Alexandra, "were brought in later.

The City of London, through the Lord Mayor, sent "loyal greetings."  Queen Mary responded by telegraph: "I am deeply moved by the citizens' thought for me again this year and greatly appreciate the feeling of real affection they have always shown me."

In the evening, Queen Mary was the "central figure" at a court ball at Buckingham Palace.  Thirty-one members of the Royal family were present, as well as eighteen "visiting members of royalty."


Earlier in the day, Queen Mary received a phone call from her eldest son, the Duke of Windsor, who is in France, preparing for his wedding to the American Wallis Simpson.