Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon , known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother , or just The Queen Mother ( born 4 August 1900 ; died 30 March 2002 ) was the wife ( Queen Consort ) of King George VI of the United Kingdom from 1936 until his death in 1952 . After her husband 's death , she was known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother so that she would not be confused with her daughter , Queen Elizabeth II . Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon ( 4 August 1900 -- 30 March 2002 ) was the Queen consort of King George VI from 1936 until her husband 's death in 1952 , after which she was known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother , to avoid confusion with her daughter , Queen Elizabeth II .