The Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on 20th November 2018. They married on this date in 1947, in Westminster Abbey, London. The marriage was a love match, with the then Princess Elizabeth’s parents sceptical about the union, but Princess Elizabeth persisted in her determination to marry the man she had fallen for.
They first met when the princess was 13 years old, and the prince 18. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were touring the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, with their two daughters the princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. The two princesses were looked after by their third cousin (through their great-great grandmother Queen Victoria), and second cousin once removed through King Christian IX of Denmark, a naval cadet, Prince Philip of Greece. Elizabeth was smitten. As they grew up, they started writing to each other whilst Philip served in the royal navy during the second world war, and spent Christmas of 1943 with the royal family. Elizabeth kept a photo of Philip on her mantlepiece, but it was disguised, as it was a rare photo of him with a beard.
They announced their engagement on 9th July 1947, and Philip renounced his claim to the Greek throne, becoming Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, RN, and gaining British citizenship. He was given the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon his marriage.
Elizabeth’s parents took her on a trip to South Africa, and only announced the engagement upon her return, to see if the relationship would stand this test. The couple survived the separation, and Philip became Elizabeth’s husband, and future Prince Consort. After the birth of 2 children (Charles in 1948, and Anne in 1950), they embarked on a tour on behalf of the king, whose health was failing. In Kenya, they received the news that the king had died, and Philip gave this news to the new Queen. Things would never be the same again, and Philip truly became the Queen’s supporting act, giving up his naval career, which he did with a sad heart.
They had two more children, Andrew in 1960, and Edward in 1964. The Queen also made Philip a prince of the United Kingdom in his own right. He has forged out his own role as Prince Consort, as well as supporting the Queen. He retired in 2017, as his health is deteriorating, and at the current age of 97, definitely deserves it!
Their marriage has been hugely successful as they have coped with public and personal ups and downs. They give each other the space they need to be their own person and pursue their own hobbies, but can support each other too. I think they are truly remarkable and have managed to find that balance and rhythm to sustain their marriage. Congratulations your Majesty and your Royal Highness!