Prince Philip and the Queen's sweetest moments
They had a lovely life together – we look back on their happiest days.
With the news that Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at the age of 96, the nation has entered a period of mourning.
Just three months ago, the country celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne, with array of special events put on across a four-day bank holiday weekend.
Queen Elizabeth II became monarch in 1952, when she was just 25, and went on to become Britain's longest-reigning Monarch. For the majority of her reign, The Queen was supported by her husband Philip Mountbatten, the Duke of Edinburgh. The pair met for the first time in 1934 and were married on November 20, 1947. They celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in 2020.
When Prince Philip died on 9 April 2021, at the age of 99, he was the longest-serving consort of the British monarch. His funeral was attended by 30 close family members, in line with the coronavirus restrictions of the time, with the Queen sitting alone to maintain social distancing.
Cosmopolitan takes a look back at the relationship of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
Happy engagement
Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1947, celebrating their engagement at Buckingham Palace in London.
Their wedding day
The future Queen marries her Prince, in Westminster Abbey in 1947.
Family fun
Cheeky Princess Anne goes for a nose bop, in family photo with Prince Charles back in August 1951.
The Queen's Coronation
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh wave at the crowds from the balcony at Buckingham Palace in June, 1953.
Enjoying sport
The pair loved watching sport together. Here Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh points out competitors at the Badminton Horse Trials to The Queen in April, 1968.
Their Silver Wedding
To celebrate their anniversary the pair visit a farm on the Balmoral estate in Scotland, in September 1972.
With Prince Edward
Queen Elizabeth II, with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and their son, Prince Edward in 1976.
Watching traditional dancers
The couple watch traditional dancers in October, 1982 in Tuvalu.
Official photos at home
The pair pose for an official picture in The Green Room at Windsor Castle, in 1987.
The Garter Ceremony
We love how he's looking at her! The pair enjoy the annual Garter Ceremony, Windsor in 1994.
Chatting in South Africa
She always looks so happy around him. The Queen & Prince Philip visit Vukuzakhe High School In Durban South Africa in 1995.
Helping her out the Royal Carriage
Prince Philip being the perfect gentleman to the Queen, helping her out as they arrive at The Sovereign's Entrance of The House Of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament in London, November 2004.
Thanksgiving
They're always smiling together. Here at St Paul's Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving held in honour of the Queen's 80th birthday, June 15, 2006 in London.
Diamond wedding anniversary
In this image, made available November 18, 2007, HM The Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh re-visit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20. The pair spent their wedding night at Broadlands in Hampshire in November 1947, the former home of Prince Philip's uncle, Earl Mountbatten.
Holding hands
We love how tender they were with each other. Here the Duke of Edinburgh and The Queen hold hands as they attend the State Opening of Parliament on December 3, 2008 in London.
Royal Ascot
Ready for a day at the races, they arrive by carriage on Ladies Day of Royal Ascot on June 21, 2012.
Braemer Highland Games
They always had so much fun. Here they are at the annual Braemer Highland Games at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park on September 7, 2013 in Braemar, Scotland.
Laughing at Windsor
The pair laugh as they say goodbye to Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina (not pictured) at the end of their official visit at Windsor Castle on April 11, 2014 in Windsor, United Kingdom.
The Queen's 90th
10,000 guests gathered on The Mall for a lunch to celebrate The Queen's Patronage of more than 600 charities and organisations. Here, she and Prince Philip wave to them all on June 12, 2016 in London.
So many adventures
The pair feed bananas to Donna, a 7 year old Asian Elephant, as they open the new Centre for Elephant Care at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo on April 11, 2017 in Dunstable.
Catriona Innes is Cosmopolitan UK’s multiple award-winning Commissioning Editor, who has won BSME awards both for her longform investigative journalism as well as for leading the Cosmopolitan features department. Alongside commissioning and editing the features section, both online and in print, Catriona regularly writes her own hard-hitting investigations spending months researching some of the most pressing issues affecting young women today.
She has spent time undercover with specialist police forces, domestic abuse social workers and even Playboy Bunnies to create articles that take readers to the heart of the story. Catriona is also a published author, poet and volunteers with a number of organisations that directly help the homeless community of London. She’s often found challenging her weak ankles in towering heels through the streets of Soho. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
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