DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: This is a special day for Britons, as their beloved Queen Mum turns 100 years old today. Well wishers lined the streets between her home and Buckingham Palace at dawn. Wanted to catch a glimpse of the Queen Mother as she traveled to have lunch at the royal palace with her oldest daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen Mum has had many special honors to mark this occasion. CNN's Margaret Lowrie with more.</s>MARGARET LOWRIE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A first day cover joins a host of other royal mail memorabilia marking other milestones in her life, from childhood to the 1937 coronation, when her husband became George VI, and she become Queen Elizabeth; their 1948 silver wedding anniversary; her 80th birthday; her 90th; and now, of course, her 100th, an occasion meriting the minting of a special 5 pound coin, and a special list of birthday honors, an occasion that has become a national celebration well marked in advance. First, in June, a huge birthday bash at Windsor Castle, jointly celebrating some other royal birthdays, including Prince William's much noted coming of age. In July, a service of thanksgiving at St. Paul's. A week later, a pageant replete with tributes.</s>ELIZABETH I, QUEEN MOTHER: I would just like to say a heartfelt thank you to all those who come from far and near to take part in this lovely brigade. It's -- it's been a great joy to be here.</s>LOWRIE: Her words of thanks were the first many Britons had ever heard her speak. In some ways, perhaps, her life in a nut shell, always on display, often seen, rarely heard. But still much beloved from the hated head to high-heeled toe, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, 100 years young. Margaret Lowrie, CNN, London.
Britain's Queen Mum Turns 100; Many Special Honors Mark Occasion