Why the Queen & Prince Philip won’t have a big 70th anniversary celebration
In three weeks’ time, the Queen and Prince Philip will reach a rare yet exciting milestone – 70 years of marriage. But while most of us would consider a platinum wedding anniversary as something to celebrate, it seems this royal couple won’t be having a big party to mark the occasion, and the reason why will break your heart.
A close confidant of Her Majesty and Prince Philip told the Daily Mail they wouldn’t be doing anything big for their anniversary as they “don’t want to be reminded of the many missing faces” of the friends and family they’ve lost over the years.
In the last 12 months, the Queen lost two lifelong friends, Elizabeth Longman and cousin Margaret Rhodes, plus Philip’s cousin, Countess Mountbatten.
And it hasn’t been an easy year for the Prince, either. “The Duke was knocked sideways by the loss of Brian McGrath (his former Private Secretary, who died last year aged 90) and one of his closest female friends, Anne Griffiths (the librarian, archivist and keeper of the royal secrets, who died in March aged 84).”
The royal source also explained they “feel they can’t top the golden and diamond wedding anniversaries and don’t particularly want to.”
Buckingham Palace confirmed that there would be no official public celebrations held, but it’s believed the couple will hold a very small private event around November 20, hosting only their nearest and dearest.