A Royal love story: How Prince Philip spent his life by the Queen’s side

In November 2017 the Queen and Prince Philip celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary, 70 years of marriage.

They were wed on the 20th of November 1947 at Westminster Abbey.  They honeymooned in Hampshire, enjoying the first few days of their married life at Broadlands in Romsey. 

Broadlands has always had a special place in the hearts of the Queen and Prince Philip. It’s the place they chose to spend the first few days of married life.

Broadlands was the home of Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was the Queen's uncle. He was someone who helped mentor the Duke of Edinburgh when he joined the family. 

Lady Pamela, daughter of Lord Mountbatten, described Philip as "great fun, extremely good looking."

"What luck they found each other," she told ITV News.

Watch ITV News Correspondent Geraint Vincent speak to Lady Pamela about her insight into the Queen and Prince Philip

The couple first met almost eighty years ago in 1939.

Prince Phillip of Greece and Denmark, as he was known, was a young naval cadet assigned to entertain the young princesses. Over games of croquet, he made a lasting impression on the 13-year-old Princess.

But Phillip was 18 and the 5 year age gap at that time was too great. It was a few years later the couple grew closer.

• Jennie Bond, former Royal correspondent

While the country was still reeling from the second world war and struggling with austerity, their romance helped lift a nation.

But away from the cameras - the Duke of Edinburgh - showed his sensitive side - with the gifts he designed for their bridesmaids.

The first few days of their honeymoon was spent at Broadlands, in Romsey in Hampshire. In the grounds the couple then studied some of their wedding photos.

The Duke of Edinburgh was wearing his wedding ring, below his usual cygnet ring.

Wedded in 1947, marriage for Prince Phillip came with quite a caveat. Set to become the Queen's consort he was forced to give up his promising naval career.

Destined for a life now, where on public duty he was expected to walk several paces behind his wife. But privately they were equals.

The Duke was by his wife's side for decades to come. Despite us witnessing few openly affectionate moments between them, their bond was always obvious. At one engagement the Duke encouraged a young boy to give flowers to his wife. 

Traditionally Royal marriages were for strategic reasons, to build alliances between countries.

But theirs was a love story. To the public he was Prince Philip, Prince Consort  The Duke of Edinburgh. But to the Queen he was a much adored husband.