On the morning of April 9, Buckingham Palace announced the passing of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth’s husband of 73 years. Philip, who was 99, had retired from public duties in 2017.
A teenage Elizabeth met her future spouse, then a naval cadet, when she was 13 years old, followed by an epistolary courtship and eventual 1947 wedding. Click along for some of her memorable quotes about their partnership.
We behave as though we had belonged to each other for years.
Queen Elizabeth wrote to her parents following her 1947 marriage to Philip.
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All too often, I fear, Prince Philip has had to listen to me speaking. ... He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years.
Queen Elizabeth during a 1997 address for their 50th anniversary
I don't know that anyone had invented the term ‘platinum' for a 70th wedding anniversary when I was born. You weren't expected to be around that long.
Queen Elizabeth on their long marriage, during her 2017 Christmas message
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During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure. Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind. But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.
Queen Elizabeth during her 2012 Diamond Jubilee address to Parliament
Buckingham Palace plans to release additional information about Philip’s death “in due course.”