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The real story behind the Queen's giggling photo

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth shared many laughs in their 73-year-long marriage, but one particular moment caught on camera has fans in awe.

A photo of the couple has been circulating on Twitter with new claims that their laughter is the result of a prank between the pair.

The photo has gone viral before, but many wrongly believed that Prince Philip wore the uniform without the Queen's knowledge to surprise his wife and make her smile while she performed her royal duties.

The photographer behind the now-famous image has finally revealed the cause of the laughter between the Queen and her husband.

Chris Young, who worked for the Press Association at the time, was the only photographer present at the review when he noticed a beekeeper being called to remove a beehive that was underneath the seats for guests and the royal family.

"Some of the guests were unsure as to whether they should move, but eventually everyone had to beat a retreat," Young told the BBC, explaining he captured the Queen and Philip's "unique" reaction to the moment.

"I recognised that it was a human moment. She was giggling like a little girl and he was laughing too."

The Duke of Edinburgh attended up to 300 engagements a year alongside the Queen during his time as a working royal.

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prince philip, queen elizabeth, bees