Elizabeth II and Philip: a story of true love
A lifetime together
On November 20, 1947, Elizabeth II, the future Queen, and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, said their cherished “I do.” Thus began the longest and most enduring marriage in the history of the British royal family – their union lasted 73 years and became a true symbol of devotion and love.
Princess Elizabeth II and Prince Philip first met as children at a wedding celebration in 1934. Elizabeth was eight years old, and Philip was thirteen. Five years later, fate brought them together again: Philip was introduced to the princess during her tour of the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. In one of her personal letters written in 1947, Elizabeth wrote that she fell in love with her future husband at that very meeting. The couple began exchanging letters, although they rarely met in person. During World War II, Philip served in the Royal Navy and took part in combat operations.
In that same letter, the princess mentioned that they often talked about marriage, but decided to postpone this important event until she turned 21. “No one really thought about ‘permission.’ It was inevitable,” she shared. However, the royal family regarded Philip with caution: in their opinion, he didn’t quite fit the image of a future prince.
Nonetheless, the couple’s engagement did take place and was announced on July 9, 1947. They got engaged at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and Philip designed the engagement ring for his fiancée himself, using diamonds from his mother’s tiara. With this personal touch, he not only expressed his tender and sincere love for Elizabeth but also brought a piece of his own family into the union.
On the eve of the wedding, Philip was granted the titles of Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich. Soon after, the couple celebrated a grand wedding with 2,500 guests. The ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey – the same place where the bride’s parents, George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, had once married. Immediately after the celebration, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip went to Buckingham Palace and appeared for the first time on its balcony before a cheering crowd, celebrating the birth of a new royal family alongside them.
The calm and measured life of the young couple didn’t last long: in 1952, King George VI suddenly passed away, and Elizabeth, being the heir to the throne, ascended to it at the age of 25. Many sources note that this time was especially difficult not only for the young Queen but also for her husband: the sudden change in status became a real trial for him. Nevertheless, Prince Philip showed great nobility by giving up his successful military career and ambitions and taking on a new role and responsibilities.
During the coronation ceremony, Philip knelt before his wife and vowed to be her loyal servant. This gesture went down in history as a symbol of deep devotion and support for the Queen. 
In 1997, on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary, Queen Elizabeth II said: “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.”
Elizabeth and Philip lived together until the very end, sharing all the joys and hardships of life. Prince Philip passed away on April 9, 2021, just before what would have been their 74th wedding anniversary. A year and a half later, on September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth followed. The couple lived side by side from youth to their final days, fulfilling the vow they once made – “until death do us part.”
