'She looked beautiful' Queen and Prince Philip's wedding day remembered 70 years on
THE Queen and Prince Philip's wedding day has been fondly remembered as the couple prepare to celebrate 70 years of marriage.
Care home residents have paid tribute to the Queen and Prince Philip by sharing their own memories of that special day, seven decades ago.
From watching the couple’s first appearance on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to the fantastic street parties they held, a selection of care home residents thoughts and memories have been captured in a commemorative film.
Residents in Care UK homes nationwide have reminisced about where they were on November 20 1947 and recalled how the glorious scenes of that cold winter’s day in November took them away from the horrors of the Second World War as Britain adjusted to life post-war.
Gladys Lee said: “I remember how very nice it was because you see we had the awful war and that was something nice in it to take us off the war. “
CARE UK
Related articles
I remember how very nice it was because you see we had the awful war and that was something nice in it to take us off the war
Jean Monastyrski recalled going to celebrate with the large crowds, saying: “I could cross the road and I was in Green Park, and I went straight over to see her out on the balcony, it was absolutely packed with people.”
The world watched on as a “shy” and “radiant” 21-year-old Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, in Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947.
Just two years after the Second World War, Britain was still recovering from the Blitz and rationing was in effect for everyone, even the Royal Family, which saw the Queen save up clothing coupons to purchase her ivory satin wedding gown.
The dress and train were elaborately embroidered with garlands of satin starflowers, roses and wheat created with silk thread, 10,000 seed pearls and crystals.
CARE UK
When asked if she remembered the Queen’s wedding dress, Iris Grimes replied: “Oh yes, she looked quite beautiful and young.”
Jean added: “It was a beautiful dress she had on. It was silk and it was covered with diamante things.”
And the residents were also quick to compliment Prince Philip, a 21-year-old prince back then.
Sidney Grimes said: “Prince Philip was in uniform and looked remarkably handsome didn’t he,” and Gladys joked: “Well like all young people you think ain’t she lucky” as she laughed.
Thousands of wellwishers gathered outside Westminster Abbey, some even clambering on top of telephone boxes to catch glimpse of the Queen, known as Princess Elizabeth back then, and her dashing prince.
And from that momentous day in 1947 the Queen and Prince Philip, will now celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary - making them the longest married British royal couple in history.
Bob Taylor said: “They’ve supported each other, and I’m sure they’ve had their ups and downs,” and Hilda Beard added: “I do say congratulations and you’ve managed very, very well”.
And a visibly emotional, Jean added: “I think they’ve done every so well, 70 years to be married.. they’re so lucky aren’t they?
GETTY/EPA
“I think it’s marvellous. Excuse me, I alway get emotional about things.. All these years, it’s amazing isn’t it.”
To mark the celebrations, residents in Care UK care homes across the country will be celebrating with their local communities by hosting special events which are ‘fit for a queen’.
The resident homes will be decorated with union jack bunting while visitors and residents enjoy traditional afternoon tea and a screening of the iconic wedding day.
Debbie Fox, dementia lead for Care UK, said: “Older people around the country have happy memories of the Queen’s wedding day, with many having been involved in the celebrations 70 years ago.
“The filming of this video has been a brilliant reminiscence activity, giving residents the opportunity to share stories and memories, which is particularly important for those living with dementia.”
