The Queen and Prince Philip were forced to postpone their engagement announcement for a whole year after the proposal, according to royal insiders.
- The Queen and Prince Philip were forced to postpone their engagement announcement for a year, according to a royal insider.
- The late Duke of Edinburgh reportedly proposed to 20-year-old Princess Elizabeth in 1946 but was refused permission by King George VI to share the news until she turned 21.
- In other royal news, Kate Middleton and Prince William's weird twist of fate will make you believe in true love.
The Queen and Prince Philip were forced to wait a whole year before they could announce their engagement to the world, royal insiders have claimed.
The late Duke of Edinburgh, then known as the Prince of Greece, reportedly proposed to Princess Elizabeth in secret in 1946, when she was 20 years old.
It's understood that she immediately accepted Philip's hand in marriage, having already been corresponding with the Royal Navy cadet (who was five years her senior) since she was just 13.
Unfortunately for the betrothed lovebirds, they were initially denied permission to share their romantic news with the public.
It's been said that King George VI, the princess's father, ordered the couple to wait until Elizabeth was 21 to announce the royal engagement.
Even back then, concerns were raised over the future Queen getting married at such a young age. It likely didn't help the couple's case that Prince Philip had decided not to ask the King for his blessing to wed Lilibet—an act that probably would have been seen as a blatant breach of royal protocol.
Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip announced their engagement in July, 1947
The princess and the prince dutifully respected the monarch's wishes, waiting until July 1947—three months after Elizabeth's 21st birthday—to publicly confirm the engagement. The couple hosted a photocall for the press at Buckingham Palace, which also served as a prime opportunity for the Queen to show off her sparkling, 3-carat diamond ring—designed by Prince Philip himself.
After delaying their engagement announcement for so long, the couple wasted no time in getting married. They tied the knot in an Anglican ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London in front of 2,000 invited guests, before heading over to Buckingham Palace for an extravagant breakfast reception.
Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip on their wedding day in November, 1947
The Queen's wedding look consisted of a Norman Bishop Hartnell long-sleeved dress in white satin and a tulle veil secured by a diamond, fringe tiara, as well as a pair of Cinderella-style slingback sandals. She completed the outfit with elegant pearls and light makeup—the perfect accents to the showstopping gown.
-
The evolution of the Met Gala in pictures, from its origins to fun facts and the most iconic momentsThe Met Gala has become the 'superbowl of fashion' - but how did it start and when did Anna Wintour make it fashion's big night out?
-
From Madonna to Beyoncé, we uncover the most iconic songs that are actually remakesSometimes a cover song becomes so iconic people don't even realise it is a cover to begin with - and these examples are proof
-
32 fascinating facts about Buckingham Palace that you may not knowIt's one of the most famous properties in the world, and there's plenty of surprising facts about Buckingham Palace
-
32 candid photos that capture the real Prince Philip - from having a belly laugh to meeting celebritiesWe look back at some of Prince Philip's funniest (and most heartwarming) moments, from sharing a joke with other royals to getting very into sporting events
-
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s sleep divorce might sound radical but it’s right on trend todayQueen Elizabeth and Prince Philip reportedly slept separately and this is said to be something the 'upper class' have 'always' done
-
Prince Philip’s royal tradition Princess Anne chose to uphold with her children - but none of her brothers did!Prince Philip’s royal tradition was something his sons chose not to continue with their children but Princess Anne's kids enjoyed it
-
The sweet tradition Prince George, Princess Charlotte and their cousins might continue this yearThe young royals could carry on a tradition that goes back to Prince Philip this summer
-
We love Queen Elizabeth II's sassy response to a rather rude remark reportedly made by Prince PhilipThe Queen was known for her quick wit
-
How George could follow in Charles's footsteps with special honor for little brother Prince Louis when he is KingPrince George could follow in King Charles's footsteps and give his brother a special honor
-
August Brooksbank looks just like Prince Harry in latest sweet snap shared by Princess EugeniePrincess Eugenie posted a sweet picture of her son August
