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CNN Live Saturday

'Queen Mum' 101

Aired August 04, 2001 - 17:15   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
STEPHEN FRAZIER, CNN ANCHOR: In Britain, Queen Mother Elizabeth is celebrating her 101st birthday this weekend and she's as popular as ever. CNN international correspondent Walter Rodgers has more on how the Brits are honoring their "queen mum."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WALTER RODGERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The wave is a little shakier now. at 101 years of age, Britain's beloved queen mother navigates cautiously. Still, the queen mum managed this public appearance less then three days after being released from hospital where she received blood transfusions for anemia.

This weekend is the birthday of the queen mother, mother to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. At Clarence House, her official residence, the crowds sang "Happy Birthday" to perhaps the most beloved member of Britain's royal family.

Scores of children pressed bouquets upon her. At one point, the queen mother appeared to stumble ever so slightly, but she recovered quickly. A buggy, the royal golf cart, was pressed into service for a 40-minute tour with everyone from ladies in waiting to the queen mum's devoted Corgy. The dog seemed to enjoy the romp even more than its mistress.

There were the family photos to be taken. Here, the queen mother with her younger daughter, Princess Margaret in wheel chair, the princess having suffered several strokes. Then this family portrait, with Queen Elizabeth II, the queen mum and family, Prince Charles was there. He, too, was just released from hospital. Took a nasty fall from his polo pony and was knocked unconscious.

Earlier, he was asked about his mishap.

QUESTION: How are you, sir?

RODGERS: Prince Charles replied hoarsely, "I'm all right,"

But this day belonged to his grandmother. One royals watcher summed up the queen mother's popularity.

SALLY CARTWRIGHT, EDITOR, "HELLO" MAGAZINE: She's built into the fabric of our society. As you know, she was born with the beginning of the last century, so I don't think there's an englishperson who can't remember the queen mother always having been there.

RODGERS: Remembering and celebrating is what this day was about. Walter Rodgers, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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