Queen Elizabeth’s life was full of unique events and moments, but none compare to those she lived with the man who stole her heart from her youth. Prince Philip was the only love of the monarch, a romance that overcame ups and downs of all kinds and that began when a young Elizabeth fell in love with the handsome blond young man who filled her with illusion, a relationship lasted for more aged 70 until the death of the Duke of Edinburgh on April 9, 2021.
The couple married in 1947 and started a family with their four children, princes Carlos, Ana, Andrés and Eduardo. Today we remember the great love of Queen Elizabeth’s life.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss. Further announcements will be made in due course,” the palace informed.
Five years later, in July 1939, they met again at the Naval Academy in Dartmouth, England, and the flame of love ignited. While studying there, the then Prince of Greece and Denmark used his charm to conquer the eldest daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth I, known as Lilibet.
Both descendants of Queen Victoria began to exchange letters. Philip, with the help of his uncle, Lord Mountbatten, kept in touch with Lilibet to later meet again by the end of World War II and finally formalize their courtship.
In 1946, Phillip visited the Royal Family’s Balmoral home, where Lilibet’s parents would get to know the man who had stolen her heart. Although his style wasn’t to the kings’ complete liking, the young princess was delighted with the tall, blond young man and his great sense of humor.
The soon-to-be Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, knew that she had found the man she wanted to go down the aisle. Although her father didn’t entirely approve of their relationship, her request for marriage was granted after secretly getting engaged.
On November 20, 1947, the Westminster Abbey in London received 2,000 guests to celebrate Elizabeth and Philip’s union. The wedding was the first royal wedding after World War II.
Right after their marriage, Phillip knew he should stand behind his wife and the position she would one day hold on the throne. He, who had renounced his titles for his sake, found some peace when in 1949, he was appointed Second Commander of the Navy in Malta. The couple was happy, and Lilibet enjoyed her marriage as an officer’s wife and without the throne’s worries.
Lilibet became Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, in 1952, after her father’s death. At just 25 years old, the young woman took over her new role with her husband’s support. He encouraged her to assume the position she has now held for almost 70 years.
During their marriage, the couple became parents and had four children: Charles, Prince of Wales, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
The relationship between the Queen and the Duke had ups and downs. Among the most mentioned were the alleged infidelities on his part. However, love was stronger, and Phillip remained by his wife’s side despite the speculations and his death on April 9, 2021.