Where did Queen Mary of Teck come from and where is Teck?

Queen Mary of Teck, known as "May", was selected to marry Prince "Eddie", the first son and heir of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. She was a sober and intelligent young woman; she visited with Queen Victoria several times at Balmoral and The Queen was very fond of her. Sadly, Prince Edward died after their engagement and shortly before their wedding. Queen Alexandra was devastated and did not share the view that her second son, Prince George ("Georgie") - now heir to the throne, might actually improve his capabilities of being King if he married May.

The two young people spent some time together and fell in love. Prince George had been devoted and close to his brother, Eddy and they shared this in common. Queen Mary studied English and European History and was a valuable consort to the future King George. She is known as the most "regal" of the queens and she felt that the monarchy was a sacred duty; hence she required strict and correct protocol. She bore six children. It has been inferred that she was a "cold" mother but in truth, she had always been a reserved person and had a hard time showing or verbalizing affection to people in general. Her eldest son was Prince Edward, later Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne to marry an American Divorcee. His brother, Albert ("Bertie") became King George V, who married Elizabeth, later known as "The Queen Mum" - they were the parents of Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Mary spent a lot of time preparing the young Elizabeth for her future royal role.

For more information about Queen Mary and historical events prior to, through and after her reign, see "Matriarch", by biographer Anne Edwards.