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Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip's Romance Through the Years

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Sep 19, 2022 1:46 PM
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Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, 1947, Widge, Life in Pictures
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1947: The Engagement

Princess Elizabeth met Philip Mountbatten at age 13 on a tour of the Royal Naval College in 1939. As the story goes, the two fell in love and began a written correspondence that led to Philip asking the King for Elizabeth's hand in marriage in 1946. Shortly after announcing their engagement, the royal couple posed for this precious photo at Buckingham Palace. 


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1947: The Royal Wedding

The pair married Nov. 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey. Just look at her gown! The marriage was a major national celebration, but came at a hard time for the country, which was still recovering from World War II.  


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1947: The Honeymoon

After their honeymoon, the happy couple took a stroll in the gardens at Broadlands in Hampshire. 


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1948: A Prince is Born

Philip stood behind Elizabeth, who cradled Prince Charles after his christening at Buckingham Palace. 


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1949: Horsing Around

The cute couple attended a Royal Horse Show at Windsor. They may have been there for the horses, but they only got eyes for each other. 


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1951: Stepping out

Philip and Elizabeth showed off their moves at a square dance held in their honor in Ottawa, Canada. 


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1951: A Growing Family

Elizabeth and Philip watched over 3-year-old Prince Charles and baby Princess Anne at Clarence House in Westminster. 


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1952: A Family Vacation

The royal family posed for a photo during a getaway at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. 


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1953: Becoming the Queen

Following the death of her father, King George VI, Elizabeth was crowned Queen Elizabeth II at only 25 years old. On her coronation day, she became the ruling monarch of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon. All the while, Prince Philip was right by her side. 


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AP Photo

1955: The Royal Family Relaxes

The royal family enjoyed summer vacation in August 1955 at Balmoral Castle. Prince Philip swung Prince Charles and Princess Anne while Queen Elizabeth looked on, holding her pet corgi.


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1965: Prince Edward is born

The royal family played with baby Prince Edward in Windsor. 


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1972: Stealing Time for Themselves

The royal couple spent some time alone at the Balmoral Estate in Scotland. 


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1974: Supporting the Troops

The Queen and Prince Philip turned out for the annual Trooping the Color ceremony at Buckingham Palace. 


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1977: Smiling in the Sun

The royal couple soaked up some sun on a tour of Fiji in 1977.


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1982: The Perfect Couple

The pair looked regal as ever in this fun photo from a tour of Tuvalu in the 1980s. 


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1986: Foreign Figures

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip explored the Great Wall of China on a royal tour of the country. 


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2002: Royal Duties

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip smiled after the Queen's annual speech at the ceremonial State Opening of Parliament in London. 


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AP Photo / Chris Young

2003: A Loving Laugh

The Queen laughed after she realized the man dressed up as part of the Queen's Guard was her husband, Prince Philip.


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Tim Graham/Getty Images

2006: Celebrating the Queen's 80th Birthday

Elizabeth and Philip were all smiles for the Queen's 80th birthday dinner, which was held at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. 


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Tim Graham/Getty Images

2007: The Diamond Anniversary

The pair returned to Broadlands for their 60th wedding anniversary. This image was a recreation of a photo taken just after their wedding in 1947. It looked like the Queen was wearing the very same necklace and brooch!


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2011: The Royal Family Today

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip took to the sidelines to celebrate Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton's marriage in 2011. 


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2015: Making Memories

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip held hands as they left a ceremony marking the end of combat operations in Afghanistan at St Paul's Cathedral in London.


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Samir Hussein/WireImage

2015: A Timeless Romance

The royal couple has been through everything together and still looked at each other with loving eyes 68 years later. They truly have a timeless romance. 


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2017: Platinum Anniversary

The couple marked their historic 70th wedding anniversary in 2017, making them the longest marriage in British royal history.


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