Rare Images From Queen Elizabeth And Prince Philip's Wedding

Britain’s beloved Queen Elizabeth II and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, would have been celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary in November 2022. That didn’t mean that the occasion wouldn’t be marked, though. So in honor of Elizabeth and Philip’s long-lasting love, we’re taking a look back at the royal couple's lavish wedding ceremony all the way back in 1947.

1. Crowds of thousands

Crowds were out in force for the happy event. Whilst a reported 2,000 guests were lucky enough to attend the ceremony itself, there were many well-wishers who wanted to see the then-princess Elizabeth marry the duke. It's tough to say exactly how many went out to catch a glimpse, but an astonishing 200 million listened to the BBC Radio broadcast.

2. A police cordon

You can see just how packed-out London was from this shot of a line of policemen struggling to contain the crowd. That said, the atmosphere seems to be jolly rather than tense, and there's something comedic about watching the poor British bobby at the front, who maybe isn’t best pleased that a snapper is around to preserve his discomfort for the ages.

3. The Queen Mother and King George VI at the Abbey

Here are the proud parents, who still had half a decade to go on the throne. George sadly passed away from illness, while Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother lived for much longer, leaving this world in 2002 at the age of 101. She'd seen many things during her century-plus of royal life.

4. Philip’s stag night

In this photograph, it’s six years before Elizabeth is crowned Queen. Seen here at his bachelor party, Philip Mountbatten looks forward to marrying his sweetheart, plain old Princess Elizabeth. His naval friends were all invited — not to mention his uncle, Lord Mountbatten. This image was taken at the Dorchester Hotel in central London.