And They Lived Happily Ever After

We’ve all heard the stories. Tales of beautiful, mistreated women who are rescued from their miserable lives by dashing princes who are totally out of their league. Sure, it all sounds pretty wonderful, but have you ever stopped to consider what happened 5, 10, 20 years down the line? Did everything remain unbelievably perfect or did those diamond-encrusted tiaras start to tarnish? Was Prince Charming still smitten with Cinderella once she had six kids, stretch marks and cellulite, or did his eye wander to the 20-year-old chambermaid with the big bosom?

One “fairytale” that does appear to be standing the test of time, is that of England’s Queen Elizabeth II and her prince. 

To commemorate their engagement

Unless you’ve been living in Russell Brand’s hair for the past few weeks, you probably know that Queen Elizabeth recently celebrated her Diamond Jubilee. She looked radiant and regal, happily sharing the stage and the spotlight with her proud husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Sadly, early on in the festivities, Prince Philip had to be rushed to the hospital due to a urinary tract infection. From then on, the Queen seemed a bit sadder, perhaps a bit lonely.

It’s understandable, seeing as how he’s been by her side, virtually unceasingly, since they married in 1947. The five year age difference caused a few raised eyebrows at the time, but the Prince has proven over the years to be a loyal consort, supporting her through the sudden death of her father, her ensuing coronation, and countless royal scandals.

Inevitably, there have been reports of infidelity, which I obviously cannot speak to. What I can say, however, is that, as the pair prepares to celebrate their 65^th wedding anniversary in November, they sure appear to be doing something right. 

THEN

NOW

Like any good love story, I’m sure theirs has had its share of ups and downs, but if these recent pictures are anything to judge by, the Queen and her prince certainly seem to be living “happily ever after.”

 Philip & Elizabeth: A Love Story