Unseen Images of The Queen and Prince Philip over the years

Pool living in NZ

Source: The Mirror

Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, ladies!

Source: abcnewsIn case you're struggling to see the cause of that immediate attraction in the above, slightly grainy photos ladies, here's Prince Philip ready for his role as Donalbane in a production of Macbeth at school, in around 1935 (making him only a coupe of years shy of  his second meeting with her Majesty.) Mystery solved!

Childhood beginnings

Source: PinterestOne of the great love stories of the modern age, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark met at a family wedding when she was 8 and he 13; they were to meet again 5 years later at Dartmouth Royal Naval College. The Queen's cousin, Margaret Rhodes, wrote in her autobiography that "Elizabeth was truly in love from the beginning," with her governess at the time remarking that she would go "pink faced" whenever the strapping young Philip was around.

A cheeky Prince and an enamoured Princess

Source: VougeRumour has it that while Elizabeth and her family visited the college, Philip, tasked with keeping the Princess entertained, was eager to impress her by vaulting over tennis nets. You can see him here with his cheeky grin in the far top right, while the much shyer Elizabeth sits calmly top left. You know what they say about opposites and all that!

The time between

Source: ITVWith the age gap being more pronounced when they were young, it took time for their relationship to really develop into the romance it became. Philip, with his blonde hair and athletic build was according to many, positively drowning in swooning young ladies. But really, when one of those is the future queen, it's not much of a contest surely?

Engaged at last

Source: tatler.comThe couple were engaged after the war in 1947 and married at Westminster Abbey in November that year. Staged as many of the photos from around that time are, the happiness radiating from the pair of them is just gorgeous! Before they married, Prince Philip had given up his claim to the Greek throne, which he still had despite living in effective exile since he was a baby, and became Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten. A promising Naval officer and official love of the Princess.

Square Dancing in Canada

Source: InsiderDuring a visit to Ottawa, Canada, in 1951 (4 years after they were married)  a Square dance was put on in honour of the young, royal couple. This is, perhaps, the most informal we've ever seen either of them, and so happy too. Them royals got the moves!

Picnic Time

Source: Daily MailA more relaxed, candid shot then we are perhaps used to. It's no secret how much the Queen adores the Royal Family's Scottish home at Balmoral. Dressed for the location, as always, the Queen and her love get comfy on a blanket together while everyone else stands around. They must be precious moments, just getting to sit together, with no pomp or fussing about.

Equals at home

Source: Africa ParentDespite becoming her consort (officially second best to his wife) and being required to always walk several steps behind her in public, the Queen made sure her driven, passionate young husband was very much her equal at home. She ensured it was he who ran the estates and remained head of the family. Smart move, as he probably would have lost the plot otherwise!

Canada is cooold

Source: The IndependantTheir trip to Canada in 1951 was the first time people got to see images of their sovereign and Prince Philip in colour. Here they are, looking rather chilly but happy none-the-less, on a traditional sleigh ride. We suppose even the notoriously uncomfortable state carriage must have seemed an attractive prospect after ploughing through the snow in an open top job! Beautiful though.

Those smiles though

Source:The MirrorPictured here in New Zealand in 1953 (during her first year as Queen), it's lovely to see the recent stresses, grief and complete and utter upheaval of their lives has not changed their feelings for each other. Her full title here is Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. But really, at heart, she's still a young woman, totally in love with her dashing young man.

Messing about on the river

Source: Daily MailAs a Lieutenant Commander of the HMS Magpie, even before acquiring all his honourary Naval ranks, Prince Philip is quite at home on the open waves. Here we see the couple enjoying themselves on a spectacular yacht owned by the novelist Daphne du Maurier and her husband. We've got to say, looking incredibly glam, your majesty!Source: CNNRoyal Protocol states that working royals should dress smartly, including rules concerning  tailored trousers for the men and no bare knees for women. We feel Philip is slightly pushing the boat out with this Hawaiian number though! Prince Philip the fashionsita - who knew?

Park life

Source: ExpressEver the adventurer, Prince Philip was always keen to instil this trait in his children. Here we see a glimpse into early family life with Prince Charles and Princess Anne, as well as one of the Queen's beloved dogs, of course. Surely it's a bit odd for your dad to be pushing you on the swings in a full suit? No?

John Kennedy Jr.

Source: today.comPrivy to all sorts of international events, both joyous and heartbreaking, here is a beautiful story about P.P. from "The West Wing Report":

"The weekend of the Kennedy assassination, he flew to Washington for the funeral. At the White House on Sunday, Nov. 24, 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy was looking for John Jr. and opened the door to his playroom. There she found the Prince sprawled on the floor, playing and laughing with the murdered president's son. Days from his 3d birthday, John had said earlier that he "didn't have anybody to play with" (also: "where's Daddy?") and her Majesty's husband decided that he would entertain the boy."

Heartbreakingly, a few decades later Philip would be back in that role again, only this time closer to home with his two grandsons. Ever the supportive male figure we all need in our lives.

Is that allowed?

Source: Insider

Back to royal protocol, while there are technically no official rules regarding PDA, working royals tend to hold back their feelings, especially while on official business. That's why we can't recall seeing Wills and Kate holding hands since their wedding day (his brother and sister-in-law being an entirely different matter!) Here however, Philip seems to throw the royal norms out of the window at the prospect of, once again, being parted from his dear wife in 1982. So sweet.

The do love those horses

Source: Daily MailIt's a huge understatement to say that the Queen loves horses. Here we see a sweet moment where the royal couple and their younger sons, Princes Andrew and Edward, feed a couple on a leisurely walk. Once again, spot the loyal dog at the Queen's heels!

Just a normal family... sort of

Source: Daily MailHere they all are again, looking as much like a normal family as the Royal Family realistically can, even if they are dressed more smartly than we are for interviews. Here Edward practices on his bike while Andrew joins his father fishing. Although we doubt they ended up having an argument when someone forgot loses the car keys or forgets to pack the lunch... we wouldn't say no to having a helpful entourage to hand.

Penny for them, Ma'am

Source: InsiderBack to Scotland we go, this time in 2006 for The Braemar Highland Gathering, Just down the road from the Queen's beloved Balmoral, it's not just the Queen finding something to chuckle about this time! We've go to hand it to Philip and Charles for going all out with the attire.

Getting competitive

Source: StandardWe've never considered attending this event, but clearly it's hilarious! Think a mix of school sports day (sack racing, tug of war etc), mixed with the traditional Scottish events such as toss the caber', 'put the stone' and 'throw the hammer'. It must be quite something to hear the Queen cheering you on (especially with that level of enthusiasm) - or maybe she's just won a wager against Philip... that might explain the chin.

Please, bee sensible

This has to be one of our all time favourite pics of this wonderful pair. In 2003, a usually extremely formal review of the Grenadier Guards' elite Queen's Company regiment at Windsor Castle was completely thrown off when a swam of bees decided to nest under a chair. The Queen evidently found this hilarious and was just about able to hold it in until she caught her husband's eye. Good job there's such a thing as a "royal apiarist"!

An elephantine snack

Source: InsiderAvid watchers of "The Crown" will definitely remember that scene in the first series where a gallant Philip protects his young bride from an angry bull elephant. Now, that is incredibly unlikely to have really happened, but there's no danger of anything that thrilling happening here. This lovely lady is Donna and she very much enjoyed being fed by the Queen during their trip to Whipsnade Zoo in 2017.

New Year 2000

Source: InsiderWell if there was ever a time to ignore those PDA guidelines, it would be millennium New Years Eve right? Here are the royal pair joining in the celebrations at the, then, Millennium Dome. Good job their love for each other lasted longer than the original exhibitions housed at the dome, which attracted under half the expected visitor numbers and was swiftly sold on.

Chin, chin

Source: ExpressSame night, perhaps a little later on! No one can accuse this pair of not knowing how to party. Judging by his nose, Philip is either rather chilly, or is several rounds further on than the Queen... Bottoms up Ma'am, you and the (then) PM have some catching up to do!

Enduring love

source: thelist.comIn love to the last, despite their hectic schedules often keeping them apart, the Queen and her "strength and stay" reportedly always found time for a daily phone call. If ever there was a couple with ample details to discuss, it must be them. Did you know, the Queen always wears bright colours so she can be easily spotted in a crowd? We certainly wouldn't want to miss that hat.

Just the cutest

Source: harpersbazaararabia.comCouple goals - check out this matching tie and decorative hat flowers ensemble. Cute! We love how much attention to detail goes into the royal wardrobes, even if it's just small things like this. We're also super glad to know, after the Jubilee celebrations this year, what the Queen carries in her mysterious handbag! Check out her tea with Paddington Bear if you have no idea what we're going on about!

Rest in peace, Sir

Source: TwitterThis gorgeous photo was taken by the Countess of Wessex in Coyles of Muick, Scotland in 2003 and was shared by the Queen ahead of Philip's funeral. In her Christmas message following his death, Queen Elizabeth described her beloved Philip as having an “mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him," which we can definitely see here. What a wonderful couple.

The queen's handwritten goodbye

image source: marieclaire.com

When Prince Philip's funeral took place on April 17th, 2021, the queen needed to say her final goodbye to her lifelong partner. She did something very intimate in terms of what we've come to expect from the royals - and how they avoid showing their feelings in public - and that was to leave what looked like a personal handwritten note, made by herself, on his coffin. It had been written on the queen's stationery and had been placed on the flowers on the coffin. It looks to have read - at least from what was visible - "I love you".

Relaxing on the sofa

image source: elle.com

Every couple needs one of those days or nights just relaxing on the sofa together, and Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were no different. Granted, they were still in full attire and in front of a camera, but still - it's a cozy day in for them. To make their 73th wedding anniversary, they had this picture taken and released, showing them taking a look at a personal anniversary card made for them by their own grandchildren: Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, who are of course the adorable children of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Posing in the sun

image source: elle.com

The queen and Prince Philip took many a stroll together in the sunny grounds of their royal residences, and even for a walk they were always dressed for the part. The queen is known for wearing her recognizable bright clothing, and in this photo - taken in 2020 - she's wearing a lovely floral dress (we didn't see her in patterns very much!) as well as a trusty diamond brooch accessory. The prince is smart, as always, in a suit and tie. This photo was taken to celebrate Prince Philip's 99th birthday. As we know, he would pass away not long after this photo was taken - but at least he had one happy birthday celebration with the queen before then.

Royal wedding guests

image source: elle.com

Surprisingly enough, the queen herself isn't always the main focus at royal events! Sometimes she and Philip had to attend other royal events as guests rather than being in the spotlight - and especially when it came to a royal wedding or two. Here the pair are following their appearance at the wedding of Princess Eugenie, who is the queen's granddaughter, when she married Jack Brooksbank at Windsor Castle. The queen, as always, with her trusty handbag, and look like she's waiting for Prince Philip to catch up!

Attending Royal Ascot together

image source: elle.com

The queen and Prince Philip attended many events together as royals and as a married couple, and one of those was Royal Ascot, which was a regular event and one held in high esteem with the royal family. You can tell they're off to Ascot because Philip is wearing a trusty hat! Which is a must for the royals when they're going there. The queen is stunning a bright lime green suit and hat. Her Majesty once said that the reason she wears such bright clothing all the time is so that she is more easy to spot in a crowd and so that people can say they saw the queen!

A drive down the Mall

image source: elle.com

The Mall is the long road - and drive - leading directly up to Buckingham Palace in London. During royal events and celebrations, it's usually lined with flags, soldiers and also tourists who have camped over night to get a glimpse of the royal family! Here Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are waving from their vehicle at happy tourists who have shown up to pay their well wishes on the queen's 90th birthday, back in 2016. It's not often you saw Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip actually standing out in the open from a vehicle rather than waving from inside a car or from inside the royal carriage!

Visiting a children's hospital

image source: elle.com

The queen and Prince Philip were a great team, and you can always see that when they attended events and important causes together. They never seemed distant, and were always chatting. This photo was taken when the pair visited Alder Hey's Children's Hospital in Liverpool in 2016. The queen had always been open about how supportive Philip had been for her. During the night of their 50th wedding anniversary, she expressed in a speech - in front of tons of people - that Philip had been her "strength and stay" all these years.

Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary

image source: royalcollectiontrust.com

Speaking of their wedding anniversary... The couple released this official photo to mark the occasion and celebrate their marriage with the world. The evening of their anniversary, they enjoyed a banquet at London Banqueting House with other important figures, including the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair. While she made a speech to thank her guests - and the Prime Minister - for coming, she also made an emotional thank you to her husband, and said, "I, and his whole family and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim."

Prince Philip's funeral

image source: deadline.com

Twenty four years after they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and the queen had thanked Philip for being her rock, he passed away. The royal family made the official announcement that he'd passed away peacefully in his sleep, at 99 years old, on the morning of 9th April. He'd been staying at Windsor Castle at the time of his death. The queen was now faced with the public royal funeral of Prince Philip, her lifelong companion and her husband. The funeral was televised, and many royals were in attendance to pay their respects.

The queen sits alone

image source: skynews.com

One of the most heartbreaking things about Prince Philip's passing and funeral was the fact that the queen had to isolate herself from everyone else. The funeral took place during the pandemic at its peak, which mean social distancing was in place to the extreme, and in everyday circumstances, some people weren't even allowed to attend the funerals of their loved ones. While the queen did attend the funeral of Prince Philip, she had to sit away from everybody else, meaning she was not only now alone in her marriage, but had to endure the funeral alone, too.

Queen Elizabeth II passes away

image source: thehollywoodreporter.com

The queen didn't have to spend too many years away from her husband, Philip. It was in 2022 that she herself passes away, around a year and half after Philip had passed. Her death shocked the nation when it was announced she'd died at the age of 96, after a lifetime of service. The news of her passing came with the immediate announcement that her son, Prince Charles, was now King Charles III - so not only did the UK get a new monarch, but a king now instead of a queen. The funeral was broadcast live on television.

The queen and Prince Philip show their respects to the troops

image source: elle.com

In 2015, the queen and Prince Philip attended a Service of Commemoration for the troops who gave their lives in service to Queen and country, and were stationed at Afghanistan. The queen and Philip here seen leaving the service, where Philip paid his respects dressed in full military uniform, and the queen wore blue. Even in moments like this in public, you can see the love and respect they had for each other, even with just a simple gesture as Prince Philip taking her hand and helping her along the stairs, or just being a comforting presence.

Laughing together

image source: elle.com

With so many rules and restrictions on what royals should and shouldn't do in public even as a couple - even if you're the queen herself! - it's always nice to see the pair laughing together and looking more relaxed. This photo was taken of the couple at Windsor Castle, as they were saying goodbye to the Irish President, Michael D Higgins, who had been visiting the castle and the royals with his wife, Sabrina. It was the very first Irish state visit, back in 2014. Someone had obviously cracked a joke, or Higgins did something funny on his way out!

When the Obamas visited

image source: elle.com

One thing the queen and Prince Philip had to do as part of their duties was host the US president and First Lady, of course. And here they're getting ready for a state banquet in honor of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visiting the royals in London. While the queen and Prince Philip sure are intimidating figures in their regal attire - especially when the queen officially puts her crown on! - there's no doubt everyone looks so at ease, especially Michelle chatting to Philip who must have said something funny!

Their royal tour of Canada

image source: elle.com

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are all smiles on another one of their royal tours - this one being their royal tour of Canada back in 2010. After they had appeared in Canada, they went to New York City afterwards so that the queen could speak at the UN and Ground Zero. Here looking at ease, it's a long way away from their first meeting when Philip was only 18 years old and the queen was only a young princess at 13 years old! While Philip definitely left his mark on the 13 year old princess, it seems that never wore off based on her smile.

Have you ever seen them wearing shades before?

image source: elle.com

Out of context, you might look at this picture and think it's the first time you've seen royals - the queen and the prince himself! - rocking a huge pair of sunglasses! That's definitely never been on the royal stylist's to do list. But this is actually Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip wearing 3D glasses - which is why they're so big and not suitable for the sun by the looks of things - for a tour of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Center, where they had to watch a display that required 3D glasses!

Umbrellas at the ready

image source: elle.com

Every British person understands that summer doesn't necessarily mean 'no rain' - and nobody understood that more than the British queen herself! Even though the queen and Philip here are stepping out for a summer garden party at the height of the season, you wouldn't think so by the weather! They definitely came prepared with huge umbrellas, and a wise choice to take two and not try to share one. Though we know Philip probably would have offered the queen to take the whole thing. We also love that the queen's umbrella is see through so that we can still spot her!

The 50th anniversary of D-Day

image source: elle.com

Taken back in 1994, here Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are happily riding in their open top Range Rover to wave to the crowds gathered for the celebrations. This was to mark the 50th anniversary of D-Day, the Normandy invasion that took place during World War II. The queen looks like she's wearing a large overcoat (maybe to protect her from more of that British weather!) but still shows off a bright pink suit underneath and a pink hat! Prince Philip is once again looking regal in his military attire as he waves to the crowds.

The queen and Philip visit the Great Wall of China

image source: elle.com

The queen and Prince Philip definitely saw a lot of the world during their reign and their time together, both as their royal duties and part of their own vacations! One of those places that they visited was the Great Wall of China - luckily, on a day that you could actually see everything (including the queen and Philip themselves for the photo!) and not a day that was fogged over. The photo was taken in 1986, with the pair of them looking very young, and both in suits. We definitely wouldn't want to try and walk that on a hot day and heeled shoes, ma'am!

A royal visit to Tuvalu

image source: elle.com

Another place that the queen and Philip visited together during one of their royal tours was Tuvalu, an island which is part of the British Commonwealth, of which the queen was the monarch. Here you can see a more relaxed pair dressed in more tropical colors and clothing, with Prince Philip even sporting a flower crown! And wait, is that sandals with socks we spot, too? And the queen is of course doing the famous 'side sit' with her legs, something Kate Middleton is now famous for perfecting! They look like they're very engrossed in watching something.