Summary: Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten
The wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten took place on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey in London. It was a significant event in British history, as the marriage between the future Queen and Prince Philip marked the beginning of a new era for the royal family. The wedding was a grand affair, attended by numerous dignitaries and watched by millions around the world.
The Engagement
Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten’s engagement was announced on July 9, 1947. The couple had known each other since childhood and had fallen in love during Philip’s service in the Royal Navy. Philip, who was born into the Greek and Danish royal families, renounced his Greek and Danish titles and adopted the surname Mountbatten before the wedding.
The Ceremony
The wedding ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey, the traditional venue for royal weddings. Princess Elizabeth arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by her father, King George VI. The ceremony was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Geoffrey Fisher. The bride wore a stunning ivory silk gown designed by Norman Hartnell, adorned with intricate embroidery and a 15-foot-long train. She also wore a diamond tiara, which was a wedding gift from her mother, Queen Elizabeth.
The Guests
The wedding was attended by a mix of royalty, political figures, and celebrities. Among the guests were members of the British royal family, including the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Foreign royalty, such as King Haakon VII of Norway and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, were also present. Political figures, including Prime Minister Clement Attlee and Winston Churchill, were among the guests. The wedding was broadcast on the radio and watched by millions of people worldwide.
The Celebrations
After the ceremony, the newlyweds embarked on a carriage procession through the streets of London, where they were greeted by cheering crowds. The celebrations continued with a wedding breakfast at Buckingham Palace, hosted by King George VI. The couple received numerous wedding gifts, including a piece of embroidered lace from the Women of Ireland and a bookcase from the City of London.
The Significance
The wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marked the union of two prominent European royal families, the British and the Greek-Danish. Secondly, it brought a sense of hope and joy to a war-weary nation, as it took place just two years after the end of World War II. Lastly, the marriage symbolized a new generation of the royal family, with Princess Elizabeth being the first direct heir to the throne to marry since 1905.
Legacy
Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten’s marriage lasted over seven decades, until Philip’s death in 2021. During their marriage, they had four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Princess Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1952, becoming Queen Elizabeth II. Their wedding remains a significant event in British history, symbolizing love, unity, and the continuity of the monarchy.
In conclusion, the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten was a grand and historic event that marked the beginning of a new era for the British royal family. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries and watched by millions, brought hope and joy to a nation recovering from war. The marriage between Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten endured for over seven decades and left a lasting legacy on the monarchy.
