The Queen and Prince Philip have been happily married for nearly 70 years now, and we can only guess that their wonderful partnership is, in part, due to Prince Philip’s quick wit and (admittedly occasionally controversial) comments.
However, if our Queen Elizabeth had been slightly less strong-willed in her younger days, we could be seeing a far different monarch today.
Speaking at the Cheltenham Literary Festival, the Queen’s biographer A.N. Wilson revealed how courtiers warned Queen Elizabeth not to marry Prince Philip because he was too “funny”.
Reportedly, royal aides were concerned that the outspoken Philip didn’t quite fit the sensible, well-behaved and reserved then-Princess Elizabeth.
The Queen and Prince Philip have been happily married for nearly 70 years.
According to the Telegraph, the biographer said: “When she made it quite clear from the age of about 14 that she was in love with Prince Philip, who was a beautiful German Prince with blond hair, all the courtiers said he was entirely the wrong person to choose.
“They said it for lots of reasons, but the fact is he was wrong. The Queen is very reserved, diligent person. He isn’t. He was a naval officer and he was also quite funny.”
WATCH: Historic footage from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s wedding. Post continues…
In a turn of events, Queen Elizabeth is now officially the longest-reigning living monarch, following the sad death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
She has reigned for 64 years, eight months and seven days, or considerably more than two thirds of her life.
Before his passing on Wednesday at the age of 88, the Thai king had served more than 70 years and four months on the throne.
Following the death of the Thai King, Queen Elizabeth is now the longest-reigning monarch.
In both her professional and private life, our Queen has always known her own mind and trusted her instincts, and it’s served her extremely well.
She and Prince Philip wed in 1947, just four years before Elizabeth became Queen. They will celebrate their 69th anniversary next month.
Four years after their wedding, Elizabeth was officially made Queen. Wilson also revealed that Philip’s first comment to her after the coronation was “Where did you get that hat?”
The couple aren’t often seen making public displays of affection, but the sweet way they refer to one another speaks volumes.
Queen Elizabeth once spoke of her husband as her “strength and stay” – now that’s couple goals!
WATCH: New Netflix Series The Crown looks at the Queen and Prince Philip’s relationship in the early days.
