Seventy one years ago today, in Westminster Abbey, The Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten, KG, who had just been given the style 'His Royal Highness' and the titles Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich of Greenwich in the County of London, by his soon to be father-in-law, HM King George VI.
The story behind his titles is interesting. On 19 November 1947, the day preceding his wedding, King George VI created him a Knight of the Garter and bestowed by Letters Patent the style His Royal Highness on him, and on the morning of the wedding, 20 November 1947, further Letters Patent of that day created him Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich of Greenwich in the County of London. Consequently, being already a Knight of the Garter, between 19 and 20 November 1947 he bore the unusual style His Royal Highness Sir Philip Mountbatten, KG, and is so described in the Letters Patent of 20 November 1947.
Last year, on their 70th anniversary, Her Majesty remarked that when they were married, people didn't live long enough to celebrate a Platinum anniversary.
For 71 years, Prince Philip has stood by her side (and walked three steps behind her!), supporting her in her duties first as heiress presumptive and for almost 67 years as Queen.
Below are some pictures of a Devoted Couple. I wish them many more happy years together!
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| Formal portrait on their wedding day |
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| Newlyweds gazing lovingly at each other |
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| On the balcony of Buckingham Palace |
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| A formal portrait of a long married couple |
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| A more informal picture |
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| The Official Canadian Portrait of the Royal Couple, wearing their Canadian Decorations |
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