The lifetime of service which the Queen Mother devoted to Britain and the Commonwealth had, because of the premature death of King George VI, three phases: Duchess, Queen and Queen Mother.

After her marriage to the then Duke of York in April, 1923, the Duchess set about the task of increasing the confidence of her husband who, afflicted by a speech impediment, was a somewhat diffident and nervous man.

FORCES' FAVOURITE: At a visit to RAF Methwold, 1943.

During official engagements and on informal occasions the Duchess, with her considerable charm, was able to lift some of the conversational burdens from his shoulders. This help and support, which gave the Duke great confidence, assumed more significance on the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936 when the Duke came to the throne as George VI and she became Queen.

The happiness of their married life, which lasted 29 years, was the subject of comment also by Edward VIII in his abdication broadcast. He said of the new King: "He has one matchless blessing not bestowed on me – a happy home and his wife and children."

George VI was also quick to pay tribute to the fortitude of his wife. In a radio broadcast on his silver wedding anniversary, he spoke of the "heavy burdens" which the years had laid on him.

And he added: "I make no secret of the fact that there have been times when it would almost have been too heavy but for the strength and comfort which I have always found in my home."

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Fan of flower power

Few people can say they have invited the Queen into their back garden to view their dahlias ... or petunias ... or roses ... or delphiniums! Some Londoners, though, can claim such a distinction. During her reign, the Queen Mother used to visit the homes of amateur gardeners in different parts of the capital. Her enthusiasm for gardens and gardening began in childhood and flourished when she and the then Duke of York were given the Royal Lodge, Windsor, as a grace and favour home in 1931. Out of the wilderness, the couple created order and beauty. Friend to the Press

NEWS BRIEF: Former EDP West Norfolk news editor Alison Croose chats to the Queen Mother on the way to a King's Lynn Festival, 1984.

Friend of the Press

The Queen Mother got on well with the Press and throughout her life had no trouble with them. On one occasion when an over-zealous official tried to move a Press photographer out of the way, she is reputed to have said: "Please don't do that. Mr… and I are very good friends."