Answer Summary
Queen Elizabeth II was married to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, from 20 November 1947 until his death on 9 April 2021. Philip was a Greek and Danish prince by birth, became a naturalized British subject, and served as a senior working royal for seven decades. Their marriage was widely regarded as a personal partnership that supported Elizabeth’s long reign. Below are the essential verified details, background, and context about this enduring relationship.
Who Was Queen Elizabeth Married To: Key Facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse Full Name | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh | Official records |
| Birth Name and Title | Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark | Birth registry |
| Wedding Date | 20 November 1947 | Historical record |
| Wedding Venue | Westminster Abbey, London, United Kingdom | Historical record |
| Marriage Duration | 20 November 1947 to 9 April 2021 (73 years, 4 months, 19 days) | Calculated dates |
| Children with Elizabeth | Charles, Anne, Andrew, Edward | Official biographies |
| Date of Death | 9 April 2021 | Official announcement |
| Age at Marriage | Philip was 26; Elizabeth was 21 | Historical record |
Early Life and Background of Prince Philip
Prince Philip was born on 10 June 1921 in Corfu, Greece, as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. His family was exiled when he was 18 months old, and he was educated in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Before serving in the Royal Navy during World War II, he renounced his Greek and Danish titles, became a British subject, and adopted the surname Mountbatten. His lineage connected him to both European royal houses, which added complexity to his integration into British public life.
Engagement and Wedding Details
Elizabeth and Philip began their relationship while Elizabeth was a princess. Their engagement was announced in July 1947, and they married on 20 November 1947 at Westminster Abbey. Philip was created Duke of Edinburgh on the wedding day and took British nationality ahead of the ceremony. The wedding took place shortly after World War II, a period marked by austerity in Britain, lending their union symbolic weight as a stabilizing personal and public partnership.
Marriage Structure and Public Role
Though styled as a prince consort, Philip played an unusually active role as a working royal. He supported Elizabeth in modernizing the monarchy, undertook solo engagements, and created the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to engage youth in community service. Over their decades-long partnership, he appeared alongside Elizabeth at domestic and international events, balancing duty with a candid, sometimes humorous public persona that reinforced their visibility as a long-standing royal couple.
Family and Succession
Elizabeth and Philip had four children: Charles (born 1948), Anne (born 1950), Andrew (born 1960), and Edward (born 1964). Their family life was often in the public eye, with each child’s milestones and marriages reported in detail. From 1952 onward, Philip accompanied Elizabeth on thousands of official engagements as she fulfilled constitutional duties, and his support became an integral part of her capacity to reign over a changing Commonwealth and UK society.
Public Perception and Legacy
Public and media evaluations of the marriage evolved from cautious curiosity in the 1940s to widespread admiration for the longevity and stability of their partnership. Scholars often cite the union as a case in which a consort’s behind-the-scenes influence helped a constitutional monarchy adapt. After Philip’s death in 2021, Elizabeth referred to him as “my strength and stay,” reflecting a decades-deep personal bond that withstood the demands of public service, global travel, and family challenges.
Quick Reference: Marriage Timeline
- 1939: Elizabeth and Philip meet at Dartmouth Naval College.
- 1947: Engagement announced; wedding on 20 November at Westminster Abbey.
- 1947–2021: Married for 73 years; Philip serves as consort through Elizabeth’s reign.
- 9 April 2021: Prince Philip dies at age 99; Elizabeth mourns privately while continuing royal duties.
FAQs
What was Prince Philip’s original title at birth?
Prince Philip was born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark.
Did the Queen and Prince Philip have the same surname?
They did not share a surname at birth; Philip adopted the surname Mountbatten and later the House of Windsor for some descendants.
How long were they married?
They were married for 73 years, from 20 November 1947 until 9 April 2021.
Was Prince Philip ever king?
No. Philip was not king, as UK succession law does not grant the spouse of a queen regnant the title king. He was styled Prince Consort and held the title Duke of Edinburgh.
Did they have children together?
Yes. They had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward.