Duke and Duchess of York: Two Rejections and a Wedding (1923)
Nobody expected Prince Albert , called Bertie by friends and family, to take the throne. His brother Edward was the first in line to be King. When he met Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, he anticipated serving as Duke of York and being a supporting figure in the Royal Family. Bertie proposed to Elizabeth – and she rejected the offer. She knew taking on a role in Royal life wasn’t easy, and was unwilling to take on the responsibility. He proposed again. She turned him down again. After the third time he proposed, and a little soul searching, she agreed. They were married at Westminster Abbey in April of 1923. When the Duke’s brother King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936, the Duke and Duchess became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Their first daughter would grow up to become Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning queen in history.