Why the Queen and Prince Philip's wedding anniversary is bittersweet this year

published 20 November 2019

The Queen and Prince Philip are today commemorating their 72nd wedding anniversary, but it seems they won’t be celebrating together.

The Queen and Prince Philip tied the knot back in 1947 at Westminster Abbey.
But despite the very special occasion, the pair might not be able to celebrate together as they don’t seem to be in the same location at the moment.
This follows royal news that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared a sweet moment at the Royal Variety Performance.

The Queen and Prince Philip have reached a milestone that not many couples can say they will even near – 72 years of marriage.

The pair met when the Queen in 1934 at the wedding of Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark and Prince George, the Duke of Kent.

They are said to have fallen in love five years later, when they met again at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, Devon when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited with their two daughters.

Their engagement was announced in July 9, 1947 and the wedding took place just four months later on November 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey.

But despite it being a happy day for the couple, it seems they won’t be able to celebrate together. According to reports, 98-year-old Prince Philip is enjoying a much-deserved rest at Sandringham, while the Queen remains near the capital due to her royal duties - including the opening of the new headquarters of the Royal Philatelic Society London next week.

Leading the well-wishes on their special day were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who shared a series of lovely pictures of the pair on their official Instagram account.

A photo posted by on

Alongside the post, the caption read, ‘Wishing Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh a very happy 72nd Wedding Anniversary!’

The official Royal Family Twitter account also posted a sweet tribute, which read, ‘Happy 72nd Wedding Anniversary to The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, who were married on this day in Westminster Abbey. #HappyAnniversary’.

Mariana is the managing editor of woman&home. She has previously worked for lifestyle titles including GoodtoKnow covering all aspects of women’s lifestyle - from the Royal Family, beauty and fashion to wellness and travel. She was nominated for AOP Digital Journalist of the Year in 2020, and for New Digital Talent of the Year at the 2016 PPA Digital Awards. She’s mildly obsessed with TV (reality TV shows included) and spends far too much time planning her next trip away.