The touching reason why the Queen and Prince Philip's 70th wedding anniversary pictures are so significant
She's the first monarch to ever reach the milestone
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Sign up to the GoodTo Newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information about how to do this, and how we hold your data, please see our privacy policy
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
The Queen and Prince Philip have been captured by photographer Matt Holyoak in a series of new portraits to mark their 70th wedding anniversary.
The photographs show the royal couple, who tied the knot in a momentous ceremony at Westminster Abbey on November 20th 1947, looking happy and relaxed as they pose together in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.
Prince Philip, 96, chose a smart grey suit for the occasion, whilst Queen Elizabeth, 91, gave a nod to her bridal look by choosing a white shift dress, accented with pearl jewellery and a red brooch.
The images are significant not only for the pair themselves, but also for British royal history, as Elizabeth is the first monarch to have reached the milestone of 70 years of marriage; their platinum wedding anniversary.
The couple actually first met when Her Royal Highness was just 11 years old, at the wedding of Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark to Prince George, Duke of Kent. Their engagement was announced 13 years later, on 9th July 1947, much to the delight of the nation.
Throughout the course of their relationship, The Queen and Prince Philip have welcomed four children: Prince Charles, born in November 1948, Princess Anne, in August 1950, Prince Andrew, in February 1960, and Prince Edward, in March 1964.
They also went on to become proud grandparents eight times over, and have five great grandchildren, although this number is soon to become six, when their grandson Prince William and his wife Kate have their third child (opens in new tab) in April 2018.
Speaking during an emotional tribute to her husband in 1997, Elizabeth said: '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.'
Philip, meanwhile, has said that the recipe for the pair's happy marriage is 'tolerance'.
'I think the main lesson that we have learnt is that tolerance is the one essential ingredient of any happy marriage,' he said on their golden wedding anniversary in the same year.
'It may not be quite so important when things are going well, but it is absolutely vital when the going gets difficult. You can take it from me that the Queen has the quality of tolerance in abundance.'

Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodTo is the ultimate online destination for mums. Established in 2007, our 15-year-strong archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles, 1,500 how-to videos, and 7,000 recipes.
-
-
Stay On Board on Netflix: Where is Leo Baker now?
As Stay On Board lands on Netflix, many are asking, where is Leo Baker now? Here's what you need to know about the non-binary skateboarder
By Robyn Morris • Published
-
Where is Day Shift filmed? Real locations of the Jamie Foxx vampire film
We reveal the locations where Day Shift is filmed - the comedy horror featuring a pool cleaner moonlighting as a vampire killer is released
By Lucy Wigley • Published
-
How the Queen brought Kate Middleton into the royal's inner circle
The Queen gave Kate Middleton a rare privilege to invite the future Duchess into her inner circle
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse • Published
-
The Queen's 'notable' reaction to Meghan Markle's birthday
The Queen didn't issue a public birthday message to Meghan Markle
By Caitlin Elliott • Published
-
More sad news for the Queen as she loses close loved one
The Queen has faced another loss
By Caitlin Elliott • Published
-
The Queen's acting skills to be celebrated as she's tipped for BAFTA nomination for this iconic scene
The Queen's tipped for BAFTA for her adorable Platinum Jubilee scene with Paddington Bear.
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
The Queen's concerns over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'unhappiness' in the UK
The Queen's concerns over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's struggles during their time in Windsor have been revealed by a royal expert
By Caitlin Elliott • Published
-
This photo of Prince George and the Queen has an adorable detail you probably didn't notice
Prince George has stunned fans that he looks 'same height' as his great-grandmother the Queen.
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Happy news for the Queen as royal family member gets married
The Queen's cousin, Lady Tatiana Mountbatten has married Alexander Dru in front of Prince Harry's ex.
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William given vital role by the Queen as she steps back from royal duties
The Cambridges will attend the Commonwealth Games in the Queen's place
By Anna Bailey • Last updated