Duchess of York As Queen's Deputy Topical Budget 653-2

From the collection of

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Duchess of York As Queen's Deputy Topical Budget 653-2


The recently married Duchess of York, who would later become the Queen Mother, opens a bazaar in front of dazzled crowds.

Brief footage of a fur-clad Duchess of York, standing in for the indisposed Queen Mary, performing what must have been among the first of her royal duties, as she opens a bazaar in Leyton. The Duchess had only married the Duke of York the previous year but was already on her way to earning the nickname “The Smiling Duchess” because of her genial manner. She remained popular with the public throughout her life as the Duchess and then the Queen Mother.

Brief footage of a fur-clad Duchess of York, standing in for the indisposed Queen Mary, performing what must have been among the first of her royal duties, as she opens a bazaar in Leyton. The Duchess had only married the Duke of York the previous year but was already on her way to earning the nickname “The Smiling Duchess” because of her genial manner. She remained popular with the public throughout her life as the Duchess and then the Queen Mother.


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