The Age and Circumstances of Queen Elizabeth II’s Marriage

Queen Elizabeth II, born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of the Commonwealth Realms, married her future consort, Sir Philip Mountbatten (who is known as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh), at the young age of 21 in 1947. This union marked the beginning of a remarkable reign that would span over seven decades.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Marriage in 1947

On 20 November 1947, Princess Elizabeth of the Commonwealth Realms married Philip Mountbatten, who was then a former Prince of Greece and Denmark. Princess Elizabeth was only 21 years old at the time, a relatively young age for marriage in royal terms, yet it was a significant and carefully planned event. Sir Philip was 32 years old, showing a satisfactory age difference in a union that was not based solely on love but also on practical considerations and royal protocol.

Early Years of Their Relationship

Their relationship began in early 1934 when Philip, then known as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, first met Princess Elizabeth, then 13 years old, at the wedding of his first cousin, Prince Louis of Battenberg. They met again in 1947 when she was 18 years old, and this time, she was a cadet at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. By the time Philip proposed to her in 1946, she was 20 years old, which is notably young for a future monarch, but it reflected the early engagement due to wartime coefficients and dynastic considerations.

The Coronation and Beyond

After their marriage, Princess Elizabeth continued to serve in the role of a minor royal until 1952, when her father, King George VI, passed away, causing her to ascend to the throne as Queen Elizabeth II. She gave birth to her first child, Prince Charles, in 1948, just a year into her marriage, and then to her second and third children, Princess Anne in 1950 and Prince Andrew in 1960, and Prince Edward in 1962. Throughout her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth II demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience, facing numerous challenges and leading the United Kingdom through significant historical events and technological advancements.

Conclusion

The marriage of Queen Elizabeth II to Prince Philip in 1947 was a pivotal moment in British and global history. It set the stage for a future reign marked by tradition, change, and international relations. The young age at which Princess Elizabeth was married to Philip continues to be notable, reflecting the royal traditions and the personal lives of past and present monarchs.

For more insights into the royal family, historic events, and the complexities of life within the British monarchy, stay tuned for our next article on related topics.