Royal Wedding Platinum Anniversary
20th November 2017, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will celebrate their 70thWedding Anniversary.
Royal Wedding Platinum Anniversary stamp Miniature Sheet
The Queen first met Philip when she was just 13 years old. She was rather taken with the naval midshipman who was 5 years her senior and entered into regular correspondence with him. Indeed, the shy princess was devoted to Philip, a fact which her family were aware of but did not encourage. Her father, King George VI, expressed a wish that she would “meet more men” before settling upon a husband.
Royal Engagement and Marriage
The couple became secretly engaged in 1946. Elizabeth’s family remained opposed to her marrying so young. But in April 1947, the King finally softened his stance and gave the couple permission to wed. He couldn’t have known that he was sanctioning what would become the longest royal marriage in history, an honour previously held by King George III and Queen Charlotte who were married for 57 Years.
The royal wedding took place at Westminster Cathedral and was attended by 2000 guests. The Queen wore an ivory satin gown adorned with 10,000 pearls which had been designed by Norman Hartnell. There were celebrations the length and breadth of Britain at a time when the country was recovering from the impact of World War II and food was still being rationed.
The Longest Marriage
The royal marriage is not the longest in British history. Karam and Katari Chand of Bradford were married for more than 90 years! Their marriage is believed to be the longest in the World although accurate records are not available in many countries.
The Stamps
To celebrate the unique occasion of the platinum wedding anniversary, Royal Mail is issuing a set of six stamps featuring photographs of the royal engagement, wedding and honeymoon. Available 20th November 2017, the stamps conjure the romance of the royal marriage and the majesty of the wedding.
1st Class
Engagement photograph of Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten
£1.57
Engagement photograph of Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten
1st Class
Princess Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh after their wedding service at Westminster Abbey
£1.57
Princess Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh on their wedding day
1st Class
Princess Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh looking at photographs of their wedding during their honeymoon
£1.57
Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh on honeymoon at Broadlands
Other Products
Royal Wedding Platinum Anniversary issue also features suitably stylish souvenir products including a minisheet, first day cover, stamp cards, coin covers and a presentation pack designed by Mytton Williams and written by royal correspondent Robert Hardman.
Royal Wedding Platinum Anniversary stamp Miniature Sheet presentation pack