Why Queen Elizabeth's Father Was Against Her Marriage To Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have been married for almost 72 years, but they’re still going strong and very romantic. They have proven that despite their controversial relationship, they can stay together and endure everything.

Although the royal couple didn’t have a perfect relationship, they seem to be perfect for each other. Their enduring marriage sets a good example for everyone. However, it’s surprising to know that there was a time when they almost didn’t get married.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s wedding was not arranged. They really fell in love. They first met when the princess was just 13 and he was 18. They wrote letters to each other, and their correspondence blossomed to a romantic relationship. Their engagement was announced on July 9, 1947, and four months later, they tied the knot at Westminster Abbey.

It was not a smooth engagement as it was revealed that King George VI rejected his daughter’s marriage to Prince Philip. In the article that appeared in Time Magazine in 1957, it was stated that the king disapproved of the marriage for several reasons, and one of it is the fact that the princess and Philip are actually related.

According to Express, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are third cousins. They have the same great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, and the king was worried that this relation will create controversies within the monarchy.

The king did not like Philip’s background as well because he’s actually a Greek prince, and he wanted Elizabeth to marry someone from the circle of the British aristocrats. At that time, it was common for the royals to pick a partner who is at the same level as them, and this was strictly followed.

Aside from his ancestry, another thing that King George did not like about Prince Philip was his behavior. It was said that he was irritated with the young man’s “loud, boisterous laugh and his blunt, easygoing manners.”

The king also hated Philip back then because he has Nazi relatives due to his German roots. Overall, he was not suitable to be the princess’ groom.

Despite King George’s disapproval, Queen Elizabeth was determined to marry Prince Philip, so she eventually won her father and the country over. Their engagement was announced when the Queen turned 21, and they were married on Nov. 20, 1947.