By Chathushka Perera
LONDON, UK (CWBN)_ Queen Elizabeth II (94) and the Duke of Edinburg, Prince Philip Mountbatten (99), celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary today (20th Nov).
A photograph of the duo, taken earlier this week, opening a card made by the scions of Cambridge, was released to the public.
The two were married in Westminster Abbey in 1947, following Philip’s distinguished service during World War II, starting off as a midshipman (low ranking officer) in 1940 on HMS Ramillies, followed by HMS Kent and HMS Shropshire, and Ceylon. He last saw active service on HMS Whelp in 1944, having been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant two years prior, reportedly one of the youngest lieutenants (21) to serve in the Royal Navy.
However, Philip (18) and Princes Elizabeth Alexandra (13) fell in love, during a royal visit to the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, in 1939. They got engaged in 1939 despite Philip’s being a foreign national by birth, his sisters’ marriages to German nobles who supported the Nazi state, and poor financial status, which led to much controversy.
Nonetheless, Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, gave assent to the marriage after Philip became a naturalized British citizen, having relinquished his foreign titles and faith.
The two, produced four heirs, Prince of Wales, Charles (1948), Princess-Royal Anne (1950), Duke of York, Andrew (1960), and Earl of Wessex, Edward (1964).
Edited by Elishya Perera
