Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip would have been married for 78 years today. The two of them had quite the love story. In fact, it was one for the ages.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Met In 1934 at a Royal Wedding
The two first met in 1934 at the wedding of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina’s wedding.
At the time, Philip was the Prince of Greece and Denmark, and Princess Elizabeth was only eight, while Philip was thirteen.
They met again in 1939 at Dartmouth Royal Navy College. The young Princess was charmed by Philip’s dashing good looks.
Elizabeth once admitted she blushed whenever she was around him. After their first meeting, Elizabeth and Philip began a correspondence of letters while he served in the Second World War.
When Philip came home, he asked King George VI, Elizabeth’s father, for permission to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage.
The couple announced their engagement in July 1947. Elizabeth and Philip held an epic, fairytale wedding on November 20, 1947, at London’s Westminster Abbey.
British designer Norman Hartnell created Elizabeth’s gown. She paid for the elegant dress with clothing ration coupons after the Second World War.
Many people throughout the country sent Elizabeth coupons to pay for the dress, even though the coupons were returned.
The gown was made from Duchesse satin from Scotland and silk inspired by a famous painting by the artist Botticelli.
It was simple but sophisticated, featuring a 15-foot-long silk tulle full court train. The dress was embroidered with pearls and crystals. It also featured lovely floral and star patterns.
Elizabeth’s Tiara Snapped On the Morning of Her Wedding
Elizabeth wore the Queen Mary Fringe Tiara, given as a “something borrowed” piece from her grandmother, Mary of Teck.
Interestingly, on the morning of her wedding, her tiara snapped as she was putting it on. Fortunately, the court jeweler saved the day, and it was repaired in time.
She also accessorized with two pearl necklaces. The Queen Anne necklace and the Queen Caroline necklace. Both necklaces were a gift from her father, King George VI.
Prior to the wedding, Prince Philip was appointed the Duke of Edinburgh, in addition to several other royal titles.
The wedding cake was quite impressive. It was a towering 9-foot-tall 500-pound fruitcake, nicknamed “the 10,000 Mile Cake. Many of the ingredients were sent by other countries.
The wedding ceremony of Elizabeth and Philip was broadcast live on the BBC radio, and the highlights were shown on television later that day.
The couple left for their honeymoon with one of Elizabeth’s cherished Corgis, Susan, on her lap during the ride.
In a letter that Philip wrote to his new mother-in-law, Philip said,
“Lilibet is the only thing in this world that is absolutely real to me.”
Their deep, abiding love lasted, as did their marriage, for 73 years. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s marriage was an enduring example of true love.
Elizabeth and Philip shared four children: King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and the former Prince Andrew.
The royal couple were together until Philip’s death at age 99 in April 2021. The Queen passed away in September 2022. The pair complemented each other harmoniously.
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