Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth: lives of love and duty

One of the greatest love stories in the history of the British monarchy, the Queen and Prince Philip’s devotion and commitment to each other truly stood the test of time.

They were married for 73 years before Prince Philip's death. But it is not just the result of true love – like any couple they had to work at their marriage and the unique challenges they faced in public service.

With a marriage lasting over 70 years, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh made some incredible memories over the years.

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A dutiful consort

He was the longest-serving consort of a reigning British monarch but when the then Princess Elizabeth became Queen in 1952 it took Prince Philip some time to adjust to being cast in a supporting role. He was reported to be furious about issues surrounding the name their children should take.

But as time passed issues were worked through and he soon became the constant by the Queen’s side, who was naturally shy by nature. Throughout their married life it is Philip who has done most of the talking socially – occasionally to liven things up or get a reaction. For example, at state banquets, he would go and get the guests for lunch and bring them to the dining room. He has helped her see the funny side of situations making her laugh as they faced the challenges of public life.

But it is perhaps the words of Philip's first-ever private secretary Michael Parker, a friend from his Navy days, that summed up his commitment to his consort role. He once revealed: “He told me the first day he offered me my job that his job, first, second and last was never to let her down.”

The secrets of their successful marriage

Partnership was at the very heart of the couple’s marriage. And a deep trust. Often they have only had each other to rely on and to be real together. Affection and light-heartedness have been another hallmark, ever since the days the young Philip would chase his wife along Buckingham Palace corridors wearing an enormous set of false teeth! In private they are rumoured to call other ‘Cabbage’ and ‘The Boss’.

The Queen’s former Private Secretary Lord Charteris summed it up: “Prince Philip is the only man in the world who treats the Queen simply as another human being. She values that.”

Weathering storms and loss

Over the years the Queen and Prince Philip faced many major and very personal issues. From her beloved sister’s affair with Group Captain Peter Townsend to the tragic death of Princess Diana, there have been moments when the storms almost threatened to engulf them. For the Queen one of the worst years was 1992, which she famously called her ‘Annus Horribilus’. That year saw three of her children’s marriages in trouble, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips divorced, while Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson and Prince Charles and Princess Diana separated. And on November 20, their 45th wedding anniversary, Windsor Castle was engulfed by flames.

There were said to be many differences of opinion between the Queen and Prince Philip on dealing with their children’s marriage break-ups but through it all, they still presented a united front.

Ten years later when the Queen lost her mother and sister within a space of just months Philip was again at her side, helping her through the loss.

Changing times

Prince Philip’s retirement from royal duties of course brought changes to their lives. With his typical quick wit when a friend said to the Prince, then aged 96, “sorry to hear you’re standing down,” he replied, “Well I can’t stand up much longer.”

For the Queen, it must have been difficult not having Philip with her on official occasions. But throughout their 73 years, they relied on each other and among other things they enjoyed a traditional Sunday lunch at Windsor Castle.

Over the years the Queen often referred to him as her rock. In a touching tribute in 1997 she 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 that will never change.

A powerful legacy

Their love for each other and sense of duty are possibly the two most powerful legacies the Queen and Prince Philip have given their family. They modelled commitment and dedication and it is a lesson not lost, particularly on their grandchildren.

“He makes her laugh because some of the things he says and does and the way he looks at life is obviously slightly different than her, so together they’re a great couple,” the Duke of Cambridge said about his grandparents in 2012.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's relationship in pictures

We take a look back at some of the best vintage pictures of the pair from the earlier years of their relationship, from their engagement in 1947 to the 60s.

Remembering the Queen

Browse through 50 wonderful photos of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s. Share in their romance, from the early days of their engagement right through their seventy amazing years plus of marriage.

For more pictures of the Queen’s life visit the Yours Members site.