The couple had become secretly engaged in 1946, her family were aganst her marrying at such a young age (20) They were to keep it secret until she had turned 21. The engagment was officially annonced on 10th July 1947. Before the engagment was announced Prince Phillip had renounced his Danish and Greek titles also his allegince to the Greek crown. He also became a naturalised British subject and converted from Greek Orthodoxy to Anglicanism. Prince Phillip also changed his surname to that of his Monthers family, Mountbatten. The engagment ring was platinum with a large square diamond at its centre and smaller diamonds on either side.
The couple were married on 20th November 1947 at Westminser Abbey. This was the first Royal wedding since the end of World War II and thousands of people lined the streets to celebrate the marriage of the young couple, many spending hours over night on the streets to get a glimpse of the young princess.
The bridal party included 8 bridesmaids and 2 page boys, the wedding was performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York
As the country was still recovering from the war, rationing was still in force so the princess saved up her coupons to purchase the material needed to make the dress. The wedding dress was made of ivory duchess satin and decorated with 10,000 white pearls, silver thread and tulle embroidery. The train of the dress was a patterned full court train attached at her shoulders and was 15 foot in length, a silk tulle veil held her tiara in place. The tiara was lent to her by her mother. Her shoes were ivory duchess with silver and pearls. The Bouquet was white orchids and a sprig of myrtle. The next day her bouquet was laid on the grave of the unknown solider in Westminster abbey, which was a tradition started by her mother and still continues today. Prince Phillip wore his Lieutenant of the Royal Navy uniform.
The wedding breakfast was held in Buckingham Palace. Posie’s were given to guests as favours which were made up of white heather and myrtle. The cake weighed 500 pounds and stood nine foot tall. It was made using ingredients sent by the Australian Girl Guides and was cut using Prince Phillip’s Sword.
The honeymoon was spent in two places, the first Broadlands House in Hampshire (owned by Prince Phillips uncle) and the second Balmoral Estate.
Next week we take a look at the wedding of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips.
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