Queen Elizabeth II spent her honeymoon at the country retreat of her husband Prince Philip's uncle, Earl Mountbatten. Getty Images
King Charles' late parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, shared a deep and lasting love that still resonates with fans, especially on anniversaries that commemorate their special moments. On November 20, the late Queen would have celebrated her 77th wedding anniversary with Prince Philip, marking a significant milestone for the couple.
The pair wed on that date in 1947, when Princess Elizabeth, at 21, married the 26-year-old Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. The ceremony, held at Westminster Abbey, was a grand affair. Elizabeth wore a star-embroidered dress designed by Norman Hartnell and the Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara. It was a marriage that captured the hearts of many and has been remembered by generations.
To honor their wedding anniversary, the Royal Collection Trust shared a touching post on Instagram, offering a rare glimpse of the couple's honeymoon at Broadlands, near Southampton. In the photo, newlyweds Elizabeth and Philip walk hand-in-hand through the countryside, looking radiant as they stroll along a woodland path. The caption highlighted a special detail, pointing out the Queen’s beloved corgi, Susan, who can be seen following closely behind the couple.
The couple spent their honeymoon at Broadlands and Birkhall. Getty Images
This candid moment from their honeymoon has sparked an outpouring of emotions from fans. Many of the comments reflected the couple’s youthful charm and the deep affection people still have for them. One comment read, “Missing both,” while another stated, “What a handsome couple they were, and how lucky we were to have them. The world is a poorer place without them.”
The honeymoon photo captures the pair in a peaceful, private moment, far from their royal duties. Elizabeth wore a pleated skirt, a fitted jacket, and lace-up shoes, looking effortlessly elegant as she walked beside her husband. Prince Philip, meanwhile, was dressed in a tweed suit, a perfect match for the serene countryside setting. The newlyweds clearly enjoyed each other’s company, and their joy is evident in the image, with smiles that show the happiness of their early days together.
The newly married couple couldn’t stop smiling. Getty Images
While the Broadlands retreat was a romantic escape, it was only part of their honeymoon. The couple also spent time at Birkhall on the Balmoral estate in Scotland. Before heading to the highlands, they took a moment to express their gratitude to the public. The royal couple shared a joint statement, thanking their well-wishers for the love and support shown on their wedding day. "Before we leave for Scotland tonight, we want to say that the reception given us on our wedding day and the loving interest shown by our fellow-countrymen and well-wishers in all parts of the world have left an impression which will never grow faint," the statement read.
Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip tied the knot on November 20, 1947. Hello!
Their honeymoon, though full of joy, also had its share of mishaps. The couple had to interrupt their break to redo their wedding photos after a mishap with Elizabeth’s bouquet, which had been misplaced. The photographer, Sterling Henry Nahum, was called back to Buckingham Palace to take the perfect shot, making sure the moment was captured properly. Royal wedding florist David Longman explained that it was common for brides to have two identical bouquets in case of such situations.
The couple’s honeymoon was a time for them to relax and enjoy each other's company before the responsibilities of their royal duties fully took hold. Their love story remains one of the most iconic in royal history, and moments like these still stir the hearts of many who remember them fondly.
