The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary tomorrow. Ahead of that event, Buckingham Palace have released a photo of the couple reading cards from well-wishers, alongside one from their great-grandchildren: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The photo shows the couple in the Oak Room in the upper ward of Windsor Castle’s private apartments, which looks out towards the Round Tower. They are looking at a colourful crafty card with 73 on the front.
The Queen and Prince Philip read a card from Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. (Chris Jackson/Getty/Buckingham Palace)
It is thought the Monarch and Consort haven’t seen close members of family since the July royal wedding, but their youngest family members, like the Cambridge children, have not been able to visit since March.
The photo, taken by Chris Jackson of Getty, is one of thousands taken over the decades, documenting the history of their relationship. They are the longest-married couple in British royal history.
You might notice that The Queen wears powder blue and her chrysanthemum brooch – the same worn in official honeymoon photographs. She donned the same piece for her 60th wedding anniversary photos, which recreated the 1947 one.
We also see a selection of post on the table, from members of the public sending their best wishes for 73 years of marriage. In 1997, on their 50th (golden) wedding anniversary, Her Majesty paid tribute to her husband, famously saying: “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years.”
Philip’s comments were more practical: “I think the main lesson that we have learnt is that tolerance is the one essential ingredient of any happy marriage.
The royal couple are spending lockdown at Windsor once more.
A very happy anniversary to The Queen and Duke!
