Queen Mary Royal Presentation Brooch by Court Jeweller Plante of Bury Street, St. James's, London, circa 1930

Gold and enamel. In orignal Plante box

Queen Mary (1867-1953)

 Mary of Teck was the Consort of King George V and daughter of Francis Duke of Teck. She was the granddaughter on her mother's side of Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, and was thus a distant member of the British Royal Family. Princess Mary was born at Kensington Palace but spent much of her youth abroad due to her parents' financial situation. In 1883, the Tecks returned to London in 1883, living at White Lodge, Richmond Park. In 1891, Princess Mary, who was liked by Queen Victoria became engaged to Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondal), who was the eldest son of Prince Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII). Prince Albert Victor was second in line to the throne after his father, but a few weeks before the wedding, he died of influenza. Nevertheless. Queen Victoria still favoured Mary as a royal bride, and therefore arranged for her to marry Albert Victor's brother, Prince George, Duke of York (later George V). They were married at St. James's Palace, London, on 6 July 1893.

In 1910, Edward VII died, and Prince George ascended the throne as George V. Mary thus became Queen. In 1935, King George celebrated his Silver Jubilee, commemorating 25 years of his reign, and Queen Mary accompanied him during the official tours and visits that took place. Queen Mary, using her extensive knowledge of history and royal protocol to advise and support her husband on matters of state.

In 1936, King George V died. His death was shortened by an injection of morphine and cocaine, administered by his doctor. Queen Mary supported her elder son, Edward VIII, during his short reign. In December, however, the King abdicated the throne because he wished to marry the divorcee American commoner, Wallis Simpson. This put his brother Prince Albert, Duke of York, on the throne King George VI. King George VI was shy, and was at first reluctant to take on his new duties and responsibilities. Queen Mary and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, supported him in his new role. The former King Edward VIII became the Duke of Windsor, went to live in France, and maintained a cool relationship with his family in England. No member of the family attended his wedding to Wallis in 1937, and she was never received by Queen Mary.

During the Second World War, Queen Mary lived at Badminton House, owned by her niece's husband, the Duke of Beaufort. She continued her public duties and supported the war effort. Following the war, she returned to her pre-war London home, Marlborough House. She continued her public duties into old age, surviving to see her granddaughter Ellzabeth ascend the throne as Queen Elizabeth II.