Celebrity | Royals

The Queen and Prince Phillip Celebrated 70 Years Of Marriage The Same Way Any Grandparents Do

Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip's love story is an inspiration to couples all over the world. The royal pair got married on November 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey when they were still Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten.

Elizabeth and Philip's nuptials, which took place just two years after the end of the Second World War, garnered worldwide attention as King George VI walked the future queen down the aisle.

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Over 65 years, the inseparable couple have fulfilled countless royal duties, welcomed four children, eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

On the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997, the Queen boasted about the "remarkable 50 years" she shared with Prince Philip.

"He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments but 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," she said.

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Twenty years later, the couple are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary, and they've released some beautiful new portraits to mark the milestone.

The photos were taken by British photographer Matt Holyoak a few weeks ago in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.

"I feel very honored and privileged to have been asked to contribute to this very special occasion," Holyoak said. "My vision for the image was to capture an intimate and natural portrait of the Queen and Duke to celebrate their landmark anniversary. The Queen and the Duke were very happy and relaxed which made it a pleasure. I feel the images showcase their strength and unity."

Previous royal couples, such as George III and Queen Charlotte, have had long-lasting marriages, but Queen Elizabeth is the first monarch to ever reach a platinum anniversary.

Matt Holyoak

The Queen wore a cream dress designed by Angela Kelly, which she paired with an accessory close to her heart: a Scarab brooch in yellow gold, ruby and diamond that Philip gave her as a gift in 1966. As for the prince, he traded his naval uniform for a grey suit and burgundy tie that complemented his wife's attire.

Matt Holyoak

In addition to the photographs, a collection of limited-edition coins and commemorative stamps will be released. The Westminster Abbey bell-ringers sounded a full celebratory peal that lasted more than three hours as a tribute.

The couple does not have any public appearances planned for the special occasion, instead they will be having a private dinner at Windsor Castle with their family.

Happy 70th anniversary to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip!

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