Key Wedding Date and Facts
Queen Elizabeth II married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on 20 November 1947, at Westminster Abbey in London. The civil ceremony was followed by a religious service, and the wedding day concluded with the traditional breakfast at Buckingham Palace. The union united the British monarchy with Philip’s Greek and Danish heritage, and it marked the beginning of one of the longest consortships in modern royal history.
Engagement and Announcement
Engagement: 10 July 1947
Wedding: 20 November 1947
The engagement was announced officially on 10 July 1947, following Philip’s formal request for the Queen’s hand and receipt of required permissions from the King and official bodies. The couple had met in 1934, but their serious courtship developed during the years surrounding World War II.
Royal and Political Context at the Time of Marriage
By 1947, Britain was still recovering from World War II, and resources remained constrained. Rations were in effect, and the royal family adhered to strict austerity measures. Philip renounced his Greek and Danish titles, converted from Greek Orthodox to Anglicanism, and took British citizenship. The wedding was a moment of national unity, planned carefully given the postwar climate.
Preparations and Ceremony Details
- Venue: Westminster Abbey, London
- Date: 20 November 1947
- Ceremony type: Civil ceremony followed by Anglican service
- Attire: Princess Elizabeth wore a Norman Hartnell-designed gown; Philip wore naval uniform
- Breakfast tradition: The couple held the traditional marriage breakfast at Buckingham Palace after the wedding
Marriage Timeline and Milestones (selected)
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1934 | First meeting (naval cadet and royal family gathering) | Formative introduction of the future spouses |
| 10 July 1947 | Official engagement announcement | Legal and public confirmation of intent to marry |
| 20 November 1947 | Royal wedding at Westminster Abbey | Legal and ceremonial union of Elizabeth and Philip |
| 1952 | Accession of Elizabeth II | Transition to reign as queen regnant; Philip became consort |
Legal and Familial Considerations
Because Philip was a foreign-born royal, the marriage required approvals from the reigning monarch (the King, then George VI), the Church of England, and compliance with British marriage law. Philip’s four sisters had married German nobility, which added to the scrutiny during postwar Europe. After marriage, Philip was created Duke of Edinburgh, and he and Elizabeth established a partnership that would define modern royal duty.
Legacy and Historical Perspective
The 20 November 1947 wedding is frequently cited as a landmark in 20th-century royal history. It signaled the modernization of the monarchy while balancing tradition, family, and national recovery. The couple’s long partnership—spanning decades of public service—shaped the contemporary image of the Crown, and the marriage remains a foundational chapter in the institution’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Elizabeth and Philip first meet? — They first met in 1934.
- How long were they engaged? — They were engaged from July to November 1947 (approximately four months).
- Did rationing affect the wedding? — Yes, rationing and postwar constraints influenced wedding planning and celebrations.
- What changes occurred for Philip upon marriage? — He renounced Greek and Danish titles, converted to Anglicanism, took British nationality, and was created Duke of Edinburgh.