The Bowes-Lyon Connection and the British Royal Family
A pivotal moment in the castle’s history came in the 19th and 20th centuries when the Lyon family married into the British royal family. Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, daughter of the 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne and a direct descendant of the Glamis line, became one of the most famous residents connected to the castle. She married Prince Albert, Duke of York, who later became King George VI.
Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, affectionately known as the Queen Mother after her husband’s accession to the throne, spent much of her childhood at Glamis Castle. The castle was her family home and played an important role in her early life. Today, Glamis Castle is often associated with the Queen Mother, and her ties to the castle bring a significant royal prestige.
Historical Events and Notable Residents
The Murder of the Earl of Strathmore
One of the darker episodes in Glamis Castle’s history occurred in 1594 when the 9th Earl of Angus was mysteriously murdered. While the details remain murky and are shrouded in historical conjecture, the event added to the castle’s reputation as a place of intrigue and tragedy.
Birthplace of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother
The castle is historically significant as the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, mother of Queen Elizabeth II. Born Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1900, her upbringing at Glamis Castle contributed to her strong character and Scottish identity. The castle’s association with her continues to attract visitors and royal enthusiasts alike. shutdown123