0:00:05 > 0:00:07This is Westminster Abbey.
0:00:12 > 0:00:1470 years ago,
0:00:14 > 0:00:16these spectacular surroundings
0:00:16 > 0:00:19were the venue for a fairy-tale wedding.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22The heir to the throne, Princess Elizabeth,
0:00:22 > 0:00:24married her dashing, young, naval officer,
0:00:24 > 0:00:27Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33It was a love story that captured the imagination of a nation.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38The couple symbolised a new beginning for the country
0:00:38 > 0:00:40and the hope for a bright, new future.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45This was a generation that had made it through
0:00:45 > 0:00:48one of the toughest periods in British history.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54Out of the horror of war emerged a desire for stability,
0:00:54 > 0:00:56for love and family.
0:00:56 > 0:01:0170 years on, it's Elizabeth and Philip's platinum anniversary,
0:01:01 > 0:01:05which makes them one of the UK's longest-married couples,
0:01:05 > 0:01:10but they're not alone in celebrating this remarkable event.
0:01:10 > 0:01:15In 1947, Britain was in the grip of a marriage boom.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21I told my parents I wanted to get married. I was 19.
0:01:21 > 0:01:22They weren't very keen.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24They would rather I'd have waited.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29"Oh, you're far too young! It'll never ever last!
0:01:29 > 0:01:32"You're far too young to think about marriage!"
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Over the next seven decades, the royal couple experienced
0:01:36 > 0:01:39the same milestones as many others of their generation.
0:01:41 > 0:01:4570 years of marriage is an achievement for any couple
0:01:45 > 0:01:48but theirs has survived in spite of challenges
0:01:48 > 0:01:50few others have had to face.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Every step of their life together has been played out in public...
0:01:58 > 0:02:00..in the glare of publicity...
0:02:01 > 0:02:03..and in service of the nation.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Through it all, the Queen and her Prince have not only
0:02:08 > 0:02:12kept their relationship strong but, together, they kept
0:02:12 > 0:02:15the nation strong, steering it through decades of change.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20He has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26And I and his whole family, and this and many other countries,
0:02:26 > 0:02:31owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35This is a portrait of the platinum couple as they reach
0:02:35 > 0:02:38a landmark in their marriage few will ever reach
0:02:38 > 0:02:42and a celebration of what has to be one of the greatest
0:02:42 > 0:02:45and most enduring love stories of our time.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08It's a love affair that has lasted a lifetime
0:03:08 > 0:03:12but it's said to have its roots in the briefest of encounters.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18On a rainy day in July 1939,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20the royal yacht, Victoria and Albert,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22sailed into Dartmouth Harbour.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and their daughters,
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Elizabeth and Margaret, were there to visit the Royal Naval College.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Whilst their parents undertook their official engagements,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40a promising young cadet by the name of Philip Mountbatten was
0:03:40 > 0:03:43assigned to entertain the two young princesses.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Elizabeth was just 13 years old,
0:03:47 > 0:03:49and Philip 18.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56I've come to the college because their archives hold
0:03:56 > 0:04:00a very special memento of that significant day.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17This album contains photographs of that historic meeting.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28It's incredible to think that these grainy images are the first time
0:04:28 > 0:04:30the couple, who are now so intrinsically linked
0:04:30 > 0:04:34together in our minds, were captured together on camera.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40It's said this was THE moment that the young princess
0:04:40 > 0:04:44fell for that man who would one day become her husband.
0:04:48 > 0:04:49Philip was quite the catch.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Tall, good-looking, he excelled at virtually every sport,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54and he was top of his class.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Not only that, he was from good, royal stock.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02Just like Elizabeth, he was descended from Queen Victoria.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06It's no wonder he made quite the impression on the young princess.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Gyles, can you begin by telling me
0:05:12 > 0:05:15a little bit about the couple's meeting at Dartmouth?
0:05:15 > 0:05:19Prince Philip was told that he had to look after these little girls
0:05:19 > 0:05:23because he was their cousin and, so, he did his duty
0:05:23 > 0:05:29and looked after them, as a nice boy would do.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33He was startlingly good-looking, and amusing,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36attractive in every sense, by all accounts.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39So, they spent some time together and I think got on well,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42but I don't think there was more to it than that.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46Elizabeth's interest in Philip would have to remain unrequited
0:05:46 > 0:05:48for several years.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52But for other couples who are also celebrating
0:05:52 > 0:05:56their platinum anniversary this year, the timing was perfect
0:05:56 > 0:06:00and they still remember experiencing their first throes of love.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Oh, I thought she was handsome
0:06:03 > 0:06:06and I was telling my family
0:06:06 > 0:06:08and friends that she was the girl
0:06:08 > 0:06:10I was going to marry.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11Which horrified me!
0:06:13 > 0:06:17Because I fancied another lad in the group -
0:06:17 > 0:06:19his friend, actually.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23Well, I came into the shop and, sure enough,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26immediately I noticed her.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30This vision of loveliness
0:06:30 > 0:06:32was working behind the counter.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34She was absolutely beautiful.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Sort of backed out and I thought, "Eventually, I'll get there,
0:06:37 > 0:06:41"I'll go back again, you know, and get myself brave."
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- I think it took about the third time you came in.- Oh, at least!
0:06:44 > 0:06:45Then he asked me out.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48I think the first time we went out,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51we went to the cinema in Malvern, if I remember.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- We did...- Yes, that's right.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57We went to see a Red Skelton film, and it was very funny.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59We thoroughly enjoyed our little selves.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04So, we stood there all afternoon, chatting,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06and I did decide by the end of it,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09"Well, he's not so bad after all," like, you know.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15I always thought he was a nice, young fella.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- You always knew I was. - I mean, we'd known...
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Yes, well, we'd known each other for years.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26I think I fell in love immediately the minute I seen her, actually.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29So...
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- And we still do. We still do.- Yes.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44But, back then, the course of true love was fraught with difficulty.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49The country was entering one of the most tumultuous moments
0:07:49 > 0:07:50in its history.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Just months after Elizabeth and Philip first met at Dartmouth,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Britain would be at war.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Philip headed straight into active duty.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05At 21, he'd become one of the youngest lieutenants
0:08:05 > 0:08:07in the Royal Navy.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Despite the Blitz, the King and Queen stayed in London
0:08:13 > 0:08:16throughout the war, earning the respect of the British public.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21And when she was 18, Princess Elizabeth joined up with
0:08:21 > 0:08:24the Women's Auxiliary Service, but it's said
0:08:24 > 0:08:28she always kept the picture of a bearded Philip on her mantelpiece.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32I asked Prince Philip about their courtship once.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34You can imagine the response I got.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39But what he did say was that really it evolved over a period of time.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43There wasn't any sudden moment. They just spent more time together.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45When he was on leave during the Second World War,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47he would go to Windsor.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51And, gradually, it sort of developed into the relationship.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58In 1945, there was victory in Europe and the nation celebrated.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Behind the scenes, the Princess and her Prince
0:09:03 > 0:09:06were finally able to spend more time together
0:09:06 > 0:09:08and their relationship blossomed.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15In 1946, Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten
0:09:15 > 0:09:18was invited to spend the summer with the family
0:09:18 > 0:09:21at their Scottish holiday retreat, Balmoral.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24It's said that that was where Philip proposed
0:09:24 > 0:09:29and the young Princess Elizabeth accepted without hesitation.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Afterwards, Philip wrote a letter to her mother, Queen Elizabeth.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40"To have fallen in love completely and unreservedly makes all
0:09:40 > 0:09:44"one's personal and even the world's troubles seem small and petty."
0:09:47 > 0:09:49But the King and Queen felt Elizabeth was still too young
0:09:49 > 0:09:53to marry, and they urged the couple to wait.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Any official announcement would be a little way off,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02but, for some, the secret was already out of the bag.
0:10:06 > 0:10:12I am about to meet one of the very few people outside royal circles
0:10:12 > 0:10:16to know of Philip's intention to marry the young Princess Elizabeth.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28Commander Keith "Scratch" Evans was secretary to Philip's captain
0:10:28 > 0:10:32and he remembers the lieutenant coming in with a special request.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37So, Commander Evans, can you take me back to that particular day,
0:10:37 > 0:10:41as it turns out rather an important day, what do you remember?
0:10:41 > 0:10:45We all knew, I think, at the time, that Lieutenant Mountbatten,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49as he was then, and Princess Elizabeth were friendly people,
0:10:49 > 0:10:53and they had been for some time and...
0:10:54 > 0:10:59..it came to the point where he felt he should propose marriage to her.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04He was obliged to get his captain's permission for special leave.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08And Captain Biggs said, "Get him down to your office
0:11:08 > 0:11:11"and we'll have a glass of gin together."
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Well, we had two glasses of gin together,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16and then he said, "We'd better let that young man out,"
0:11:16 > 0:11:19and off he went, and, after that,
0:11:19 > 0:11:24I wrote him a note congratulating him, and...
0:11:24 > 0:11:27..he wrote back. I have the note here.
0:11:28 > 0:11:29"My dear Scratch.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32"It was most kind of you to write that note of congratulations.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34"Thank you very much indeed.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37"I hope you're having a pleasant leave.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39"Yours, Philip."
0:11:39 > 0:11:42That's a lovely thing to have, isn't it? That's a special thing to have.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46As far as I was concerned, he was just another person.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51He would be in the local pub playing skittles with other people.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56So, once it was known that he had this association with
0:11:56 > 0:12:00the young Princess Elizabeth, did it change the way he was treated?
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Did it change the atmosphere around him?
0:12:02 > 0:12:05I think people were proud
0:12:05 > 0:12:08that they'd actually served with this man.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Yes, I have great admiration for him,
0:12:11 > 0:12:13although he is junior to me as a lieutenant.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Elizabeth and Philip weren't the only couple
0:12:20 > 0:12:21looking to settle down together.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26The post-war years saw more people for wanting to tie the knot
0:12:26 > 0:12:29at younger ages than ever before.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- When was it we got engaged? - I don't know, it was...
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- Oh, after the war, in 1945.- Yeah.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40It was a nice, clear, warmish night.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42I said to Amy, I said,
0:12:42 > 0:12:44"What would you think about it if we got married?"
0:12:44 > 0:12:48I think people had had enough of war.
0:12:48 > 0:12:49They wanted to live a peaceful life.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55I told my parents I wanted to get married. I was 19.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59They weren't very keen. They would rather I'd have waited.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02My family were delighted I was marrying her.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04They thought she was wonderful.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06And they weren't far wrong, were they, dear?
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Rumours of Elizabeth and Philip's engagement soon reached the press
0:13:16 > 0:13:20and the couple would experience an unprecedented level of intrusion.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29These were sensitive times and, regardless of Philip's
0:13:29 > 0:13:33distinguished war record, the idea of the future monarch marrying
0:13:33 > 0:13:37a Greek-born Prince with German connections proved controversial.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41In January 1947,
0:13:41 > 0:13:45the Sunday Pictorial took a poll of readers' opinions regarding
0:13:45 > 0:13:48the possible marriage of Princess Elizabeth to Prince Philip.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53It was the first time ever that a British newspaper had
0:13:53 > 0:13:56asked its readers to comment on such a personal royal matter.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59The results revealed over a number of weeks
0:13:59 > 0:14:01make for pretty fascinating reading.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06In the beginning, plenty of people were against the match
0:14:06 > 0:14:09and they were happy to make their views crystal clear.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Here we are, "We, the Russell family, a father and two sons,
0:14:12 > 0:14:17"who've served in two wars, say no to a marriage to a foreign prince."
0:14:17 > 0:14:20And this from Mrs Cooke from Paignton.
0:14:20 > 0:14:25She says, "Surely someone of good British stock could be found."
0:14:25 > 0:14:29But, as the weeks went on, it became clear that, more than anything,
0:14:29 > 0:14:33the public wanted for their Princess what they wanted for themselves -
0:14:33 > 0:14:35a bright and happy future.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39They wanted the young Elizabeth to go ahead and wed the man she loved.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43I love some of the comments in here.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48Miss Evans from Portsmouth writes, "I am only 14 years of age
0:14:48 > 0:14:52"so it's my generation that will have the best part of her rule.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56"So, me and my friends think she should be able to marry whom
0:14:56 > 0:14:58"she pleases if she loves him.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02"We think a happy queen is always a good queen."
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Weeks later, the young heir to the throne joined her family
0:15:08 > 0:15:10on a tour of South Africa.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13And, on her 21st birthday,
0:15:13 > 0:15:17the Princess made a speech that was broadcast around the world.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23I declare before you all that my whole life,
0:15:23 > 0:15:26whether it be long or short,
0:15:26 > 0:15:28shall be devoted to your service
0:15:28 > 0:15:30and to the service
0:15:30 > 0:15:32of our great imperial family
0:15:32 > 0:15:34to which we all belong.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37But I shall not have strength
0:15:37 > 0:15:40to carry out this resolution alone,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42unless you join in it with me,
0:15:42 > 0:15:44as I now invite you to do.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50Those remarkable words uttered at such a tender age sought to
0:15:50 > 0:15:53unite Elizabeth with her people.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55She declared herself devoted to their service
0:15:55 > 0:15:58and dependant upon their support
0:15:58 > 0:16:02which was why their approval of her choice of husband mattered so much.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04In addition to that,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07not only would her union have to be strong enough to withstand
0:16:07 > 0:16:10the demands of day-to-day family life, a task in itself,
0:16:10 > 0:16:14it would also have to be robust enough to sustain the extraordinary
0:16:14 > 0:16:19pressure that her lifetime service to her country would present.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Shortly after her return from South Africa, the Palace took
0:16:22 > 0:16:26the step of officially announcing that Princess Elizabeth had
0:16:26 > 0:16:29found the man she wanted to support her
0:16:29 > 0:16:31through her unique lifetime's journey.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- NEWSREEL:- In anybody's life, engagement day's a red letter day.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Mountbatten
0:16:44 > 0:16:47will never forget July 10th, 1947.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50In the morning, they faced the world's press and photographers.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52The platinum ring, with its one large diamond
0:16:52 > 0:16:55and two smaller ones, tell the picture.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Philip played a role in designing the engagement ring,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07and, along with every other bit of news about the impending
0:17:07 > 0:17:10nuptials, it captured the imagination of a nation
0:17:10 > 0:17:13still in the grips of post-war austerity.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18It was made by London jewellers Philip Antrobus,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21which is now owned by Charlie Pragnell's family firm.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Charlie, you still make a ring
0:17:26 > 0:17:29that is really very, very similar
0:17:29 > 0:17:31to that original engagement ring.
0:17:31 > 0:17:32- Yes, yes.- Can I see it?- Yes.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35We call it the Antrobus setting,
0:17:35 > 0:17:37and it's a very classical ring.
0:17:37 > 0:17:38It's deliberately
0:17:38 > 0:17:41not exactly like Her Majesty's.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- But very similar? - But very similar in style.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47It's really very, very beautiful.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- Now, it was designed to be worn every day, was it?- Absolutely.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53And what are the features of the design that tell us that?
0:17:53 > 0:17:57The centre stone is very protected because there's eight claws,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00platinum claws, and platinum's the hardest metal.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05Furthermore, the shoulder stones are protected by a thread setting.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- It means they wouldn't catch. - What, if she was wearing gloves?
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- Absolutely.- Oh, right. - Or on other clothing.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Looking at this, it's an odd sensation
0:18:15 > 0:18:18because suddenly it feels rather familiar to me and I think
0:18:18 > 0:18:21it's because in all the photographs I've ever looked at of the Queen,
0:18:21 > 0:18:22she is wearing this ring.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Looking at that now, I would describe that as
0:18:26 > 0:18:28a classic engagement ring,
0:18:28 > 0:18:30but, at the time it was commissioned,
0:18:30 > 0:18:31in terms of its design,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34how would it have been perceived, do you think?
0:18:34 > 0:18:37It would've been perceived as contemporary.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42It would've been perceived as a relatively modest choice.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45After the Second World War, it would have been a time of austerity.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49And it was designed, I suppose, with an eye to not making people think,
0:18:49 > 0:18:51"Well, it's all right for them.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- "Look at them with their flashy jewels."- Absolutely.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58One would expect the Queen to have a wonderful engagement ring,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01but it wasn't overstated.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05It was relatively modest, bearing in mind her position,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08and probably not the largest stone to come from...
0:19:08 > 0:19:10..Prince Philip's mother's tiara.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14So, you say this ring was taken from the family tiara
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- of Prince Philip's mother and that that was broken up.- Yes.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19What sort of style would that have been in?
0:19:19 > 0:19:22How would it have looked when it was sitting in the tiara?
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Well, we have a tiara here which would have been made in about
0:19:25 > 0:19:321850 or 1860, which was a similar style to Princess Alice's tiara.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35It's really exquisite, isn't it?
0:19:35 > 0:19:37So, it would have held all these individuals stones,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- and they would have picked one they thought was suitable?- Absolutely.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42As you see, there's different sizes to choose from.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44So delicate and beautiful.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46It strikes me, though, they find one diamond
0:19:46 > 0:19:48and there's a whole lot of other stuff in this beautiful
0:19:48 > 0:19:51broken up tiara that's left, so what happened to it?
0:19:51 > 0:19:55They had a plan. Philip decided to put the other diamonds to good use.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Thought a wedding present was a good idea.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01It looked very similar to this.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Oh, my goodness me!
0:20:04 > 0:20:07That is very... Can I use the word "blingy?"
0:20:07 > 0:20:10That is really very blingy indeed!
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Isn't it wonderful? - I have to say I love it.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- I mean, that is much more opulent than the ring.- Absolutely.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- It's a bracelet fit for the Queen of England.- It certainly is!
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Can I try it on?- Absolutely.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24Will you do the honours?
0:20:24 > 0:20:26SHE GASPS
0:20:26 > 0:20:28It's exquisite!
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Very big stones.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35And do we know if Philip himself had much to do with the actual
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- design of the piece? - I'm sure he would have had input.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41There's, for the time, a contemporary style to the jewellery.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45The central stones would have come from the tiara, and some of
0:20:45 > 0:20:50the larger, round diamonds, but the geometric shape
0:20:50 > 0:20:52is Deco in style...
0:20:52 > 0:20:53- Right.- ..and typical
0:20:53 > 0:20:56of the style of the period.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Really very beautiful indeed.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Is it recorded what...
0:21:00 > 0:21:04..the reaction of the Princess was when she saw it?
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Not much different from yours, I'd imagine.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- She's certainly worn it a lot, hasn't she?- Absolutely!
0:21:10 > 0:21:12She wears it on many important occasions
0:21:12 > 0:21:15and I'm sure it's one of her favourite pieces of jewellery.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19And I believe the Duchess of Cambridge has been recently
0:21:19 > 0:21:21photographed wearing it at an event.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27And, so, aside from being incredibly exquisite and, I imagine,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30a joy to wear, you know, jewellery often has a message.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33What was the message in this bracelet?
0:21:33 > 0:21:36I think it's a message of love, primarily,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40but also a message that says...
0:21:40 > 0:21:44..we'd like to contribute a gift that's
0:21:44 > 0:21:46suitable for a queen from our family.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50So I think there's a number of messages in this.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- NEWSREEL:- A 40,000 crowd packed the shipyard to offer congratulations
0:22:00 > 0:22:02to the royal couple.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05The happiness of the Princess at being with her fiance
0:22:05 > 0:22:07for the occasion was evident.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11I am so happy that on this, my third visit,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14my future husband is by my side.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16CHEERING
0:22:20 > 0:22:22I name this ship Caronia.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26May God bless her and all who sail in her.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34In 1947, Britain was still trying to get back on its feet.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37The winter had been one of the cruellest on record.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42The economy was fragile and rationing was still in full force.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44So, by royal standards,
0:22:44 > 0:22:48it was decided the wedding was not to be an extravagant affair.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05Yet, despite the restrictions, on 20th November 1947,
0:23:05 > 0:23:09into dull, grey Britain came a real-life fairy tale.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16The streets of London were packed with excited crowds.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Princess Elizabeth was at last marrying her Prince
0:23:28 > 0:23:31and the country was delighted to have something to celebrate.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49It was the largest gathering of royalty anyone could remember.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55The only sadness for Philip must have been that his own sisters
0:23:55 > 0:24:00were not amongst the 2,500-strong congregation.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03They were married to German aristocrats
0:24:03 > 0:24:06and the war was still fresh in people's minds.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21But for those people lining the streets, this was a sign
0:24:21 > 0:24:24that the country was returning to normal
0:24:24 > 0:24:26and there was a bright, new future.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39Amongst the bystanders was schoolgirl Antonia Fraser.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45So, Lady Antonia, just looking at these pictures, just take me back
0:24:45 > 0:24:48to that day when you were actually there in the crowd.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50What do you think as you're watching this?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52I think it looks magic and it reminds me
0:24:52 > 0:24:54of that extraordinary time.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56I was 15 and at school,
0:24:56 > 0:25:00and it takes me back to how colourful it all was,
0:25:00 > 0:25:04at a time when our lives were extremely grey.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13It's only two years after the end of the war and, suddenly,
0:25:13 > 0:25:17as in a fairy story, a princess gets married to a prince.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20I mean, how did you get to be there? How did you get off school?
0:25:20 > 0:25:23We departed school unlawfully.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25You bunked off, did you?
0:25:25 > 0:25:28We bunked off, exactly. Well, why not, you know?
0:25:29 > 0:25:32So, you're actually on the Mall then?
0:25:32 > 0:25:36We were on the left of the screen in the curve
0:25:36 > 0:25:41but sort of slightly nearer the gates so that when we,
0:25:41 > 0:25:47the public, decided to rush the gates, we were well-placed.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- You were one of those that rushed the gates?- Yes!
0:25:49 > 0:25:52And we actually got inside the gates, lots of us.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56- Can you imagine it today? - No, I can't!- Extraordinary!
0:25:57 > 0:26:01But it was all part of the excitement and the thrill.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07These are very, very glamorous images.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11What did you make at the time of the young royal couple?
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Princess Elizabeth was an extremely pretty young woman.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19She had a lovely complexion, and a lovely figure
0:26:19 > 0:26:21and she was a real princess,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24and we were starved of that kind of thing.
0:26:24 > 0:26:30And, as a romantic figure, a young prince - tall, blond, handsome,
0:26:30 > 0:26:32a high-achiever - did that capture
0:26:32 > 0:26:34the young 15-year-old Antonia's imagination?
0:26:34 > 0:26:38I think we all wanted to marry Prince Charming aged 15,
0:26:38 > 0:26:42and there he was, and he WAS Prince Charming.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45And why did you want to be there so much?
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Oh, because it was a glamorous event,
0:26:48 > 0:26:50but it was also history, of course.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51You know, it was history in the making.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Mentally, we were all still involved in the war,
0:26:57 > 0:27:02and, so, out of the ruins comes this marvellous love story.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06The royals themselves, of course,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08in a situation of considerable privilege,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11but, in its way, their story, the royal story,
0:27:11 > 0:27:15sort of mirrored what was happening in the country, to a degree.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17A lot of people WERE getting married,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20getting married quickly in those years after the war.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Yes, I think you could argue Prince Philip came back from the war,
0:27:23 > 0:27:28like so many young men, and Princess Elizabeth had clearly
0:27:28 > 0:27:32been in love with him for some time and, at last, it comes right.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34And I do remember...
0:27:34 > 0:27:36..that there were quite a lot of couples getting
0:27:36 > 0:27:40married at the same time who the press focused on.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Even then, the parallels were seen.
0:27:45 > 0:27:511947 saw more than 400,000 couples tie the knot -
0:27:51 > 0:27:53one of the highest rates in post-war history.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57I had my demob suit on.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00It was very good suit, actually.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03I was only too glad to be able to get it. Clothing coupons.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06You were very restricted what you could buy.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10Yes, well, I spent my coupons on my bridesmaids.
0:28:10 > 0:28:16I had Dennis' sister and my sister, and then I had two little ones,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20and I spent my coupons on them
0:28:20 > 0:28:22and I hadn't any left for my dress,
0:28:22 > 0:28:25and I bought a second-hand wedding dress,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28which, to this day, I regret, but there you are.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34When I think about it now, my mum performed miracles, really,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38- didn't she?- Yes. - Cos we had the reception at my home.
0:28:38 > 0:28:44We had between 30 and 40 people there. She did all the catering.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49We didn't have a big do. It was in the house.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52- We had the reception at your mother's.- The reception.- Yes.
0:28:52 > 0:28:57- And she made us a two-tier wedding cake.- She did.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59You couldn't get dried fruit.
0:28:59 > 0:29:04So, my wedding cake was a Madeira cake, iced.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06But we were luckier than some.
0:29:06 > 0:29:11Some had cardboard cakes, purely for the photo.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15- So, we did have a cake that you could eat, didn't we?- Yeah, we did.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27The royal couple spent their honeymoon
0:29:27 > 0:29:31at the Mountbatten family estate near Romsey, and then at Balmoral.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35Whilst there, Philip wrote a letter to his mother-in-law.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40"Lilibet is the only thing in the world
0:29:40 > 0:29:42"which is absolutely real to me.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46"And my ambition is to weld the two of us into a new combined
0:29:46 > 0:29:49"existence that will not only be able to withstand the shocks
0:29:49 > 0:29:54"directed at us but will also have a positive existence for the good."
0:29:56 > 0:30:00And the princess wrote that "she and her husband behave
0:30:00 > 0:30:03"as though we have belonged to each other for years.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07"I only hope that I can bring up my children in a happy atmosphere
0:30:07 > 0:30:10"of love and fairness which Margaret and I have grown up in."
0:30:13 > 0:30:15They wouldn't have to wait too long
0:30:15 > 0:30:17to find out what sort of parents they would make.
0:30:17 > 0:30:22Within a year, there was a new heir to the throne, Prince Charles,
0:30:22 > 0:30:26and less than two years after that, Princess Anne was born.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33The first few years of Philip and Elizabeth's marriage were idyllic.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36It was a very good time.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39This young couple were left pretty much on their own.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42They did do some public duties, but Prince Philip was
0:30:42 > 0:30:46working in the Royal Navy, he had a job to go to every day.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49And Princess Elizabeth was enjoying being a young mother.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51And they were, as I understand it,
0:30:51 > 0:30:55remarkably hands-on for people of their class and generation.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58They had meals with the children in the evening,
0:30:58 > 0:31:00they did bath-time with the children,
0:31:00 > 0:31:02they did bedtime stories with the children,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04they played with the children.
0:31:06 > 0:31:07As Britain entered the '50s,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10family became ever more of a priority.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17With men back from the war, the birth rate rocketed.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20The country was in the midst of a baby boom.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23And many fathers looked forward to playing a greater role
0:31:23 > 0:31:25in their children's lives.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31He was capable, quite good, giving 'em a bottle or changing nappies.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38We shared our dealings with the children right from the word go.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41There were things that needed to be done and we did them,
0:31:41 > 0:31:42and that was it.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47With the children, I really appreciated them.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49I felt...
0:31:49 > 0:31:54I felt big about it because, you know, I was proud to be a parent.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58We're very much family orientated.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Family comes before everything, as far as we're concerned.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- Still does, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:32:05 > 0:32:06Yeah.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10However, for the young royal family,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13there was something else that would always have to come first -
0:32:13 > 0:32:14duty.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20In 1951, the King's health took a turn for the worse,
0:32:20 > 0:32:24and the couple were called on to fulfil some of his engagements.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28At the end of January the following year,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31they set off on a tour of the Commonwealth.
0:32:31 > 0:32:32The King saw them off.
0:32:36 > 0:32:41It would be the last time the Princess would see her father alive.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Just weeks into the trip,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49news reached Philip that the King had passed away,
0:32:49 > 0:32:53and it was down to him to break it to his young wife.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00As Britain mourned the death of the monarch,
0:33:00 > 0:33:04Elizabeth and Philip faced a destiny they had been preparing for...
0:33:05 > 0:33:09..but it had come sooner than either of them could have imagined.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17The coronation took place on 2nd June 1953.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Less than five years after their wedding day,
0:33:23 > 0:33:27the Queen and her husband returned here to Westminster Abbey
0:33:27 > 0:33:29to make new vows.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31MUSIC: Zadok The Priest by Handel
0:33:57 > 0:33:59It's been estimated that three million people
0:33:59 > 0:34:04packed the streets of London to celebrate this historic moment.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06And thanks to Prince Philip,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09whose idea it was for the event to be televised,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12around 20 million people watched from home.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18Few could have failed to have been moved
0:34:18 > 0:34:20by this incredible and sacred ritual...
0:34:21 > 0:34:27..when the young Queen was set apart for her high and lonely office.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31ALL: God save the Queen!
0:34:31 > 0:34:35God save the Queen! God save the Queen!
0:34:37 > 0:34:39In an extremely poignant moment,
0:34:39 > 0:34:44Prince Philip knelt in front of the Queen to pledge his service.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49I, Philip, do become your liege man of life and limb,
0:34:49 > 0:34:51and of earthly worship,
0:34:51 > 0:34:53and faith and truth I will bear unto you,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56to live and die against all manner of folks,
0:34:56 > 0:34:58so help me God.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03It symbolised a dramatic shift in the couple's relationship.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06The life they had known together was effectively over.
0:35:07 > 0:35:12Philip was as much the Queen's subject as he was her husband
0:35:12 > 0:35:14and it would be a unique and difficult path
0:35:14 > 0:35:17for both of them to negotiate.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- CROWD:- We want the Queen! We want the Queen!
0:35:21 > 0:35:22We want the Queen!
0:35:27 > 0:35:29When the Princess became the Queen,
0:35:29 > 0:35:34how do you think that impacted their relationship as a married couple?
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Everything changed. No question of that.
0:35:36 > 0:35:41I think it's inevitable that this must have taken a toll.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44There must have been a price to pay for this.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47It's a constitutional monarchy, the Queen is advised
0:35:47 > 0:35:51by the Prime Minister, a private secretary, that's the way it works.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55And Prince Philip said to me, "I was told to keep out, and I did."
0:35:57 > 0:36:01He was there to be the father and to forge his own way of life
0:36:01 > 0:36:03and his own working life, which he did.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08Despite their separate roles, there would be times
0:36:08 > 0:36:10when the couple could work together.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Within five months of the coronation,
0:36:16 > 0:36:18the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh set off
0:36:18 > 0:36:22on the most ambitious royal tour ever seen.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24It was a crucial moment for the new Queen
0:36:24 > 0:36:27to prove her dedication to the Commonwealth.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32For six months, they'd be separated from their two young children
0:36:32 > 0:36:35whilst they travelled to the other side of the world and back,
0:36:35 > 0:36:38taking in more than seven countries.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41Over the next seven decades,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44touring would be an integral part of the couple's lives.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Queen Elizabeth would become the most travelled monarch
0:36:47 > 0:36:51in the history of the world, with Philip her constant companion,
0:36:51 > 0:36:54always just a few steps behind.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59Anwar Hussein is a royal photographer
0:36:59 > 0:37:02who began touring with the couple in the 1970s,
0:37:02 > 0:37:06and his son, Samir, has gone on to follow in the same footsteps.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Anwar, I have to begin by saying,
0:37:10 > 0:37:15I think the photographs you take of the Queen and the royal couple
0:37:15 > 0:37:17are probably my absolute favourites.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19You seem to capture something different.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21When you are taking photographs,
0:37:21 > 0:37:26particularly of the royal couple, what is it you're trying to do?
0:37:26 > 0:37:29What I was looking... I just wanted to photograph the royal family
0:37:29 > 0:37:33like a photo-reportage, I didn't want any still picture.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36And so I decided, "OK, I'll start doing royal pictures
0:37:36 > 0:37:40"where they were looking more casual and more easy-going."
0:37:40 > 0:37:41A sort of informality.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Informality, that's what I wanted to bring,
0:37:43 > 0:37:47and they loved the casual approach which I was giving to them.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50From those days, we've been talking right now specifically
0:37:50 > 0:37:54about the '70s and '80s, what's your favourite picture of them together?
0:37:54 > 0:37:55Do you have one?
0:37:55 > 0:37:58I mean, there were pictures in Tuvalu
0:37:58 > 0:38:01where they were sitting on a floor with flowers in their hair
0:38:01 > 0:38:03and the Duke wearing sandals,
0:38:03 > 0:38:04and things like that,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07it's quite interesting because you'd never seen them
0:38:07 > 0:38:10in that sort of light and it's sort of very interesting.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14When these great royal tours happened,
0:38:14 > 0:38:18a lot of your photographs capture them together so well,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21capture the interplay between quite often, it seems,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23- him making her laugh.- Yeah, yeah.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27I think he's got an amazing, wicked sense of humour
0:38:27 > 0:38:28which he sometimes would do
0:38:28 > 0:38:31to make the Queen relax or something, he would crack a joke.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34I don't know whether she approves of some of his jokes,
0:38:34 > 0:38:37but I call it the amusing look.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41Like the Queen says, "We are not amused," but she is amused, really.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42He cracks a joke.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45You see it a lot when you're photographing them,
0:38:45 > 0:38:49that the Duke will often lean over to the Queen,
0:38:49 > 0:38:53and say a little word to her or say a little joke,
0:38:53 > 0:38:55and they'd burst out into laughter,
0:38:55 > 0:38:59so humour's definitely a big part of their relationship, I think.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03You never see them like if they had a bad time,
0:39:03 > 0:39:05like you used to see with Charles and Diana.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08But with them, I don't think I've ever seen them
0:39:08 > 0:39:11in a grumpy mood, or one of them ignoring, or something like that.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14But I think maybe they just naturally are like that, you know.
0:39:14 > 0:39:15- You do?- Yeah, I think so.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22The period following the Queen's accession
0:39:22 > 0:39:24had been a whirlwind for the couple.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29But as the years went by, they tried to prioritise family more and more.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37- NEWSREEL:- The pleasures of family life are enjoyed
0:39:37 > 0:39:42by the baby's mother and father less frequently than by ordinary parents.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45To be head of the Commonwealth entails long absences abroad
0:39:45 > 0:39:48and what a sacrifice that must be is brought home to us
0:39:48 > 0:39:51by these glimpses of the happiness that comes to the royal family
0:39:51 > 0:39:54when they are all at home together.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59After the birth of their two younger children, Andrew and Edward,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01the Queen made a point of cutting down on engagements
0:40:01 > 0:40:04so she could spend more time with them.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08The couple were entering a new stage of their lives
0:40:08 > 0:40:11where the pressure was starting to lift a little.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16I think young people, a young queen and a young family,
0:40:16 > 0:40:20is infinitely more newsworthy and amusing than, you know,
0:40:20 > 0:40:23we're getting on for middle age and I dare say
0:40:23 > 0:40:28when I'm really ancient, there might be a bit more reverence again.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30I don't know.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32But I would have thought we're entering probably
0:40:32 > 0:40:33the least interesting period
0:40:33 > 0:40:35of, you know,
0:40:35 > 0:40:36quite a glamorous existence.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Yet, despite their attempts to step away from the spotlight,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47the world's appetite for the royal family remained intense.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51And throughout their travels, there was one thing that provided them
0:40:51 > 0:40:55with an important and much welcome sense of familiarity...
0:40:56 > 0:40:58..the royal yacht Britannia.
0:40:58 > 0:41:03For over 40 years, this magnificent vessel circumnavigated the globe,
0:41:03 > 0:41:06played host to some of the world's most powerful people
0:41:06 > 0:41:09and provided hundreds of thousands of well-wishers
0:41:09 > 0:41:13with their first real glimpse of the Queen and her family.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Beyond the public gaze,
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Britannia offered the royal family a sanctuary,
0:41:23 > 0:41:28somewhere they could relax, enjoy themselves, really escape.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33It occupied a particularly special place in their affections.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37And its success was largely down to the couple
0:41:37 > 0:41:39because they played a key role in its design.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Elizabeth and Philip commissioned architect Hugh Casson
0:41:44 > 0:41:46to help them achieve their vision,
0:41:46 > 0:41:50and his daughter remembers the couple as having
0:41:50 > 0:41:53very specific ideas about what they wanted.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Prince Philip, certainly, really wanted to make a difference,
0:41:56 > 0:41:58I think in the way they lived,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01because after all, they were living in inherited environments.
0:42:01 > 0:42:02All the other palaces
0:42:02 > 0:42:05were full of other people's furnishings
0:42:05 > 0:42:07and knick-knacks and paintings and whatever.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10So they wanted their own place, actually. Why not?
0:42:10 > 0:42:14The Queen didn't want to spend a lot of money on this ship,
0:42:14 > 0:42:18so she was keen on keeping costs as low as possible.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20Once Father had done his sketches...
0:42:22 > 0:42:25..he was asked if he would go to Balmoral to show them.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- Quite nerve-racking?- Nerve-racking, he was an absolute state!
0:42:30 > 0:42:33He showed them the designs.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Prince Philip was keen to make sure that everything was practical,
0:42:36 > 0:42:39he wanted white paint, not too much gilding, he wanted
0:42:39 > 0:42:44everything to be kept as low key and as maintenance-free as possible.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48But of course they realised that this was a palace on water,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51if you like, they were going to have to host state dinners,
0:42:51 > 0:42:54so a certain amount of grandeur had to come into the dining room,
0:42:54 > 0:42:55for example, and that sort of thing.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03It saw an extraordinary amount
0:43:03 > 0:43:05of the great and the good from around the world.
0:43:05 > 0:43:10I mean, this interior has seen scenes probably like no other.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Well, probably, yes.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16So they had to make an environment which was going to be
0:43:16 > 0:43:20reasonably comfortable for them, but also for their guests.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23- Through in the state room, obviously it's very, very grand.- Yes.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26- And here, well, it's rather homely, I think.- Yes, I think so.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28- Can we take a look around? - Yes, let's.
0:43:29 > 0:43:35So, Carola, this room here was Her Majesty's private sitting room.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38- It's a little working room, though, isn't it? We can see.- It is.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41And so she'd be doing her red boxes, and all the business of the day.
0:43:41 > 0:43:43Yes, do you see the gaps?
0:43:43 > 0:43:47- Those were made specially to fit the red boxes.- Oh, were they?
0:43:47 > 0:43:51So, this is a mirror image, but it's quite different in tone, isn't it?
0:43:51 > 0:43:53- It is completely different, yes. - Much more masculine.
0:43:53 > 0:43:58Much more masculine. And there's a model of his ship that he commanded.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01I think that he yearned for his naval days.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05In a way, he wanted his environment here to remind him of the Navy.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- This is the sun lounge, is it?- Yes. - This is my very favourite room.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14Yes, it's lovely, isn't it? It really is very homely, this one.
0:44:14 > 0:44:18It's so unexpectedly cosy and it's entirely personal,
0:44:18 > 0:44:22with the boxes of games and the record player
0:44:22 > 0:44:25and seats all arranged so people can chat.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27This is not a space for the grand reception.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29No, not at all, I mean, this is a private room,
0:44:29 > 0:44:32nobody came here except the family. This is the one place
0:44:32 > 0:44:35where they could take their shoes off and put their feet up.
0:44:35 > 0:44:36That's exactly what I want to do
0:44:36 > 0:44:38- and I want somebody to mix me a cocktail...- Yes, absolutely.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41- ..from that delightful little cocktail cabinet.- Yes.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44It's the antithesis of stuffy. It's a home, this place.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46- Absolutely, yeah.- Thank you for showing me around.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49- Not at all, I've really enjoyed it. - Thank you.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54In 1972, Elizabeth and Philip celebrated
0:44:54 > 0:44:56their 25th wedding anniversary.
0:44:59 > 0:45:05I think everybody really will concede that on this of all days
0:45:05 > 0:45:10I should begin my speech with the words "My husband and I".
0:45:10 > 0:45:12LAUGHTER
0:45:12 > 0:45:16Now that we have reached this milestone in our lives,
0:45:16 > 0:45:20we can see how immensely lucky we have been,
0:45:20 > 0:45:24or perhaps "fortunate" might be a better word.
0:45:26 > 0:45:31We had the good fortune to grow up in happy and united families.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35We have been fortunate in our children,
0:45:35 > 0:45:38and above all, we are fortunate
0:45:38 > 0:45:42in being able to serve this great country and Commonwealth.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47If I am asked today what I think about family life
0:45:47 > 0:45:50after 25 years of marriage,
0:45:50 > 0:45:54I can answer with equal simplicity and conviction, I'm for it.
0:45:54 > 0:45:56LAUGHTER
0:45:59 > 0:46:03As the Queen and the Lord Mayor, having lunched in Guildhall,
0:46:03 > 0:46:06move out among the people...
0:46:06 > 0:46:08Surrounded by cameras,
0:46:08 > 0:46:11Prince Philip, never at a loss for a merry quip on such occasions.
0:46:11 > 0:46:15But this moment belongs to the people.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18People who've waited for a long time in the drizzle for the chance
0:46:18 > 0:46:20of not only seeing the Queen
0:46:20 > 0:46:23but actually talking to her on her silver wedding day.
0:46:26 > 0:46:30But the spotlight was starting to shift to the next generation.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35The following year, on 14th November,
0:46:35 > 0:46:39almost to the day of their own wedding, all eyes were once again
0:46:39 > 0:46:44on the Westminster Abbey to see the first of their children get married.
0:46:44 > 0:46:47A global audience of around 500 million
0:46:47 > 0:46:50watched Princess Anne marry Mark Phillips.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53And there were more to look forward to.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57In 1981, Prince Charles married Diana Spencer.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01And five years later, Andrew tied the knot with Sarah Ferguson.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07The couple also welcomed the arrival of their grandchildren.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11The future of the monarchy looked secure.
0:47:11 > 0:47:16But in the 1990s, the couple would face one of the most difficult
0:47:16 > 0:47:19and challenging periods of their married life.
0:47:21 > 0:47:261992 saw one of the highest divorce rates in British history,
0:47:26 > 0:47:28and the royal family were no exception.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31Despite the strength of their own marriage,
0:47:31 > 0:47:34the Queen and Prince Philip were powerless to help
0:47:34 > 0:47:38when their children's relationships got into difficulty.
0:47:38 > 0:47:39And the world watched
0:47:39 > 0:47:44as the idealistic image of the perfect royal family was tarnished.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47Buckingham Palace has announced that the Princess Royal
0:47:47 > 0:47:50is petitioning for divorce from Captain Mark Phillips.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52Coming so soon after the marriage troubles
0:47:52 > 0:47:53of the Duke and Duchess of York,
0:47:53 > 0:47:57today's announcement makes this an unhappy period for the Queen.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00It is announced from Buckingham Palace that, with regret,
0:48:00 > 0:48:03the Prince and Princess of Wales have decided to separate.
0:48:07 > 0:48:151992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure.
0:48:15 > 0:48:20In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents,
0:48:20 > 0:48:24it has turned out to be an annus horribilis.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28How difficult has it been for them as a couple, given all
0:48:28 > 0:48:31they've been through, because there had been ups and downs?
0:48:31 > 0:48:34As Prince Philip once said to me, "We are a family."
0:48:34 > 0:48:37And clearly they were a real family,
0:48:37 > 0:48:40and it's reflected the world in which they lived.
0:48:40 > 0:48:43So, in their marriage, there clearly were ups and downs.
0:48:43 > 0:48:47There were difficult times. Three of their children got divorced.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50The Duke of Edinburgh once expressed to me a sense of frustration that
0:48:50 > 0:48:54the media were turning the royal family into some sort of soap opera.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59Elizabeth and Philip had always been the subject of media scrutiny.
0:48:59 > 0:49:04But in the '90s, their personal family life was exposed
0:49:04 > 0:49:06in an extremely public way.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10What I admire about the Queen and Prince Philip
0:49:10 > 0:49:12is they are discreet and private people.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15They were true to themselves, they kept going,
0:49:15 > 0:49:17and they survived the ups and downs,
0:49:17 > 0:49:21largely by ignoring the press and the media,
0:49:21 > 0:49:24but they went through that, they came out the other side.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29Despite the tough times the family had been through,
0:49:29 > 0:49:321997 gave them cause for celebration.
0:49:34 > 0:49:37It was the Queen and Prince Philip's golden anniversary,
0:49:37 > 0:49:40and 50 years on from their fairy-tale wedding,
0:49:40 > 0:49:43at two separate events, they each gave a rare speech,
0:49:43 > 0:49:47revealing to the world just how much they meant to each other.
0:49:49 > 0:49:52They were very public declarations from two people
0:49:52 > 0:49:57who had always kept their feelings for one another very private.
0:49:58 > 0:50:02He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments.
0:50:02 > 0:50:07But he has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years.
0:50:07 > 0:50:12And I and his whole family, and this and many other countries,
0:50:12 > 0:50:17owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know.
0:50:19 > 0:50:23When there's lots to do, time seems to fly,
0:50:23 > 0:50:27and appears to us at least that we've been fairly busy
0:50:27 > 0:50:28over the last 50 years.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32It's been a challenge for us,
0:50:32 > 0:50:34but by trial and experience,
0:50:34 > 0:50:38I believe we have achieved a sensible division of labour
0:50:38 > 0:50:42and a good balance between our individual and joint interests.
0:50:42 > 0:50:46The trouble is that no two marriages are quite alike.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48However, I think that the main lesson that we've learnt is
0:50:48 > 0:50:54that tolerance is the one essential ingredient of any happy marriage.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57It may not be quite so important when things are going well,
0:50:57 > 0:51:00but it is absolutely vital when things get difficult.
0:51:02 > 0:51:04And you can take it from me,
0:51:04 > 0:51:07that the Queen has the quality of tolerance in abundance.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15I mean, you've both got your individual ways.
0:51:16 > 0:51:22And sometimes you have to alter them a little.
0:51:22 > 0:51:26We've had our ups and downs, we've had our upsets.
0:51:26 > 0:51:29I mean, people who say they don't quarrel or argue,
0:51:29 > 0:51:31it must be so boring.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35- Well, it must be, mustn't it? - Must be, yeah.
0:51:35 > 0:51:37- Yes, we disagreed a lot.- Well...
0:51:37 > 0:51:40- We still disagree a lot. - Course you do.
0:51:40 > 0:51:42- But we work it out.- Yes.
0:51:42 > 0:51:46A sense of humour goes a long, long way. Yeah, yeah.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49- We've had many a laugh, haven't we?- Yes.
0:51:49 > 0:51:53And this is the secret of a happy relationship,
0:51:53 > 0:51:56that there's a give-and-take in it, all the way up the line.
0:51:56 > 0:52:01Do want to hear the advice I gave my grandson
0:52:01 > 0:52:04when he was getting married last year?
0:52:04 > 0:52:09I said, "David, do you know what makes a good marriage?"
0:52:09 > 0:52:11He said, "No, Grandad."
0:52:11 > 0:52:17I said, "True love, trust and a lot of bleeding patience."
0:52:17 > 0:52:20And I said, "For once, I agree with him,"
0:52:20 > 0:52:22cos that don't happen very often.
0:52:25 > 0:52:27Elizabeth and Philip's
0:52:27 > 0:52:30is the longest royal marriage in British history.
0:52:30 > 0:52:34Together, they have created a future for the monarchy
0:52:34 > 0:52:37that looks to be very secure.
0:52:41 > 0:52:44It's incredible to think that 70 years ago
0:52:44 > 0:52:46they were just setting out on their journey.
0:52:49 > 0:52:51It might have been an extraordinary occasion,
0:52:51 > 0:52:53but just like every other couple,
0:52:53 > 0:52:57they had to put their commitment to each other in writing.
0:52:59 > 0:53:02So, can you show me what's inside this wonderful register?
0:53:02 > 0:53:04It's the register of marriages
0:53:04 > 0:53:08and here is the entry for 20th November 1947.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11Philip Mountbatten and Elizabeth.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14And you see also that of George VI
0:53:14 > 0:53:16and Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary, that the whole family...
0:53:16 > 0:53:18That's pretty impressive.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22But really it represented the beginning of what was to be
0:53:22 > 0:53:26- a remarkable union.- It has been extraordinary, hasn't it,
0:53:26 > 0:53:28to see the two of them together?
0:53:28 > 0:53:30Looking at this, of course they could never have known,
0:53:30 > 0:53:33as people embarking on a marriage never do know, what lies ahead,
0:53:33 > 0:53:37but when you think of the landscape and the complexity of what
0:53:37 > 0:53:40they dealt with together, why do you think they've been able
0:53:40 > 0:53:43to deal with it together and as such a strong partnership?
0:53:43 > 0:53:46Well, obviously they were very much in love.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49I mean, it's early love as far as I can understand it.
0:53:49 > 0:53:53So it's a love match, essentially. It's a great love story.
0:53:53 > 0:53:57It began here in this remarkable abbey, their marriage.
0:53:57 > 0:53:59How much do you think, in reality,
0:53:59 > 0:54:03faith has played a part in their union for 70 years?
0:54:03 > 0:54:04It's been very important.
0:54:04 > 0:54:10I think they have a very sort of deeply loyal sense of duty,
0:54:10 > 0:54:14which is bolstered and encouraged and uplifted, as it were,
0:54:14 > 0:54:18by their faith, and I think that's true equally for both of them.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20And so, of course, you led the service
0:54:20 > 0:54:23for the diamond wedding anniversary celebrations.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25Just tell me a bit about that.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27It was grand, we had the Yeoman of the Guard,
0:54:27 > 0:54:29the Gentlemen at Arms, we had representatives of churches
0:54:29 > 0:54:33from all over...and the other faith communities and so on,
0:54:33 > 0:54:34they were all here.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36And there was a load of people lined up in the procession.
0:54:36 > 0:54:38And the Duke turned to me and said,
0:54:38 > 0:54:42"So, what are you going to do to get this procession started?" he said.
0:54:42 > 0:54:45"Do you blow a whistle or wave a green flag?"
0:54:45 > 0:54:50So he's always bringing a touch of humour to solemn occasions.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52Those of us on the outside, of course,
0:54:52 > 0:54:55have watched this marriage at something of a distance.
0:54:55 > 0:54:59But I wonder if you think it's been an inspiration within the family,
0:54:59 > 0:55:02you of course married Catherine and William.
0:55:02 > 0:55:06I'm sure that is the case. I mean, they are a rock, aren't they?
0:55:06 > 0:55:09Not just in the family, but for us all, really,
0:55:09 > 0:55:12and I think that's a marvellous role.
0:55:12 > 0:55:15It's impossible to imagine what it would be like without them, really.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24I'm full of admiration for the Queen and Philip.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30Both the Prince Philip and the Queen are great.
0:55:30 > 0:55:32He has done a wonderful job supporting her,
0:55:32 > 0:55:35and she has done a wonderful job as a Queen.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39I think they've had their ups and downs.
0:55:40 > 0:55:43- Because... - Like other people do.- Yeah.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48We celebrated the Queen's diamond wedding
0:55:48 > 0:55:51the same as we celebrated our own.
0:55:51 > 0:55:57But we dressed up, or tried to dress up, as the Queen and Prince Philip.
0:55:57 > 0:55:59We were asked to make little speeches
0:55:59 > 0:56:02- and thoroughly enjoyed our little selves.- Yes.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06They're both wonderful people
0:56:06 > 0:56:09and they've more than done their share for this country.
0:56:09 > 0:56:10- They certainly have.- More.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15It's not easy for them
0:56:15 > 0:56:18cos they're the centre of attraction all the time.
0:56:18 > 0:56:23Their lives must be intruded by literally thousands of people.
0:56:27 > 0:56:31The Queen, how on earth she manages to cope with what she does,
0:56:31 > 0:56:33I just do not know.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36My respect for her is unimaginable.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38It really is.
0:56:39 > 0:56:41Hear, hear!
0:56:45 > 0:56:47For 70 years now,
0:56:47 > 0:56:51the Queen and Prince Philip's marriage has played a significant
0:56:51 > 0:56:55and crucial role in the enduring popularity of the monarchy.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00It is a relationship built on strong foundations...
0:57:04 > 0:57:06..shared values...
0:57:09 > 0:57:12..and a dedication to duty.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17But ultimately, to have been as successful as it has,
0:57:17 > 0:57:19at its heart, well, these are
0:57:19 > 0:57:21two people who fell in love,
0:57:21 > 0:57:22worked hard at their relationship
0:57:22 > 0:57:24and have lived,
0:57:24 > 0:57:27as they say, happily ever after.