Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, are celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary today. The royal couple married on November 20, 1947.
At the time, then Princess Elizabeth was only 21-years-old and still learning how to become successor to the throne. Lieutenant Philip of Mountbatten, then 26, had just returned from serving in the Second World War; he was in the Royal Navy.
This year, Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 90th birthday and Prince Philip celebrated his 95th. Other milestones for the royal couple, this year, include Queen Elizabeth’s record of becoming the longest reigning sovereign and Prince Philip has become the longest serving Royal Consort, according to Metro .
Next year, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary.
After 69 years of marriage, one would expect much pomp and circumstance surrounding the event, marking the occasion with family and close friends. So, how will the royal couple celebrate?
Happy Anniversary, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip! See their sweetest photos over the years https://t.co/OXoaAkiKN6 pic.twitter.com/YITyJ1PSWT
— People Magazine (@people) November 20, 2016
Rather than spend the day fussing over dinner plans, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are expected to keep their celebrations low key and simply spend time together at their home in Windsor Castle, where the two of them will mark the occasion privately. A small group of family and friends may make an appearance, but England should not expect a large celebration.
As a teenager, Princess Elizabeth first fell in love with Philip. It was during a visit to the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. She visited with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth I. At only 18 years old, Philip set his eye on the young Elizabeth and used the meeting to show off a bit by jumping over nets on the tennis court, hoping she would catch a glimpse of him. She did, and eight years later, the couple married.
Many are celebrating alongside Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, taking the opportunity to recognize the monarchy’s stability under their rule. Although Queen Elizabeth has been a stoic figure within the monarchy, she claimed that Prince Philip has been her strength since the beginning.
The relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip has always been special, once that has seen the pair relying on each other for support and companionship in a position that can be quite lonely. Royal Central noted that the pair’s solitary celebration is quite symbolic of the strength they gain from each other, as they take a rare day off to spend alone at each other’s side.
Happy 69th anniversary to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. What a blessing and inspiration ?? pic.twitter.com/7B7nD2MMUe
— Elle van Petersen (@ellevp) November 20, 2016
People from around the world have sent their regards to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, congratulating them for their longevity and wishing them many more happy days together.
Robyn, from Perth, Australia, sent well-wishes via Royal Central,.
“Congratulations Your Majesty and Prince Phillip. It is so inspiring to see you both together having support and love for each other, and enjoying life. Such a busy and interesting life. So appreciate the work you do and the kindness that you show to people in all situations and all nations. We have just had our Golden anniversary. Happiness and Good Health to you both.”
Despite their age, the couple shows no sign of slowing down, and we wish them the best in their future years. What would you say to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip if you had the opportunity to meet with them today, on their anniversary?
A very happy 69th wedding anniversary to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip! https://t.co/zuJ2KwENIN pic.twitter.com/db3od4dI2x
— Age UK (@age_uk) November 20, 2016
[Feature Image by Twocoms/Shutterstock]