Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip's 70th wedding anniversary: New photo released!
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-ruling monarch, and Prince Philip will celebrate their 70th anniversary tomorrow, the longest royal marriage yet. On the occasion, the Buckingham Palace has released a photo featuring them in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. Prince Philip retired from public life in September, but is still frequently seen by the queen's side. Here's what the royal couple has planned.
New photographic portraits released worldwide
From 3rd in line to 'heir presumptive'
At the time of birth, Elizabeth was third in the succession line to the throne after her uncle Edward, Prince of Wales and her father, the Duke of York. In 1936, after her grandfather's death, Edward VIII became king, but abdicated following his marriage. Elizabeth's father then became king. After him, her reign began on February 6, 1952.
A star-studded royal wedding
Prince Philip and Elizabeth, distant cousins, started getting close when they met at Windsor Castle at Christmas in 1943. He is believed to have proposed three years later. They were married in November 1947, two years post the end of the War, after overcoming some objection. The event took place at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011.
Prince Philip's royal duties while beside the queen
After becoming the Duke of Edinburgh, he eventually became the Prince in 1957. Throughout the years, he supported the queen in her duties, accompanied her on visits, founded the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and remained patron of 800 organizations, including the WWF and Britain-Australia Society.
The 70th anniversary reserved for family
For their 70th anniversary, the couple will have a quiet time with their family, including Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate, Prince Harry and their grandchildren. There will be a special toast and dinner at Windsor Castle. At 1pm, the bells at Westminster Abbey will toll as a tribute. Queen Elizabeth calls Prince Philip her "strength and stay all these years".
