After the government announced confirming what we all knew was on the cards – a second nationwide lockdown – families around the UK have been getting prepared for the restrictions to come into play on Thursday. That includes the royals too – and it's given Prince Philip the opportunity to prove that romance isn't dead, by making a sweet gesture to the Queen ahead of their wedding anniversary. Aww!
Since announcing his retirement, the Duke of Edinburgh has predominantly been based at Wood Farm cottage on the Sandringham estate (whereas The Queen typically resides in Buckingham Palace due to work commitments), but HELLO! now reports that Philip has travelled with his wife to Windsor, with plans to remain there throughout Lockdown 2.0.
Writing about the 99-year-old's move, royal correspondent Rebecca English said yesterday on Twitter, "The Duke of Edinburgh travelled back with Her Majesty to Windsor today. They will be at the castle together for #lockdown2uk - which includes their 73rd wedding anniversary on November 20."
The couple, who share four children together (Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew), also spent the duration of the first lockdown together in Windsor Castle. It's reported that they nicknamed the experience 'HMS Bubble' and were served by reduced staff numbers.
The Queen and Prince Philip's love story is certainly one for the ages – the pair met back in 1939, when Elizabeth was just 13-years-old. Philip, a then 18-year-old Greek prince, was a cadet present during the British royal family's informal visit to the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. Following that meeting, the couple began to write to each other. Their engagement was announced 9 July 1947.
No doubt The Queen will be feeling somewhat frustrated at the new lockdown measures, having only recently resumed her in-person public appearances – something that clearly means a great deal to the monarch. It's believed she was so passionate to get back out there as she's of the school of thought that 'seeing is believing' and was keen to show the nation she's there to support them during these tough times.
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One royal source was quoted as saying, "The Queen has always said she needs to be seen to be believed, and she wants to be visible, particularly at a time like this to support the nation."
Wonder if Elizabeth and Philip are also frantically stocking up on jigsaw puzzles to keep busy during the next looooong month? Or preparing for another round of Zoom quizzes? No?
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Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
