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Elizabeth Taylor brought to tears by bust of her former husband, Richard Burton

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When it comes to Hollywood romances, none are more iconic than the love affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The fated couple, who were married and divorced twice, will go down in the history books for their passionate and timeless relationship.And more than 20 years after her former husband's death, it seems screen icon Elizabeth's love for the Welsh star has in no way diminished. The 78-year-old, who just last year told friends she would have married Richard for a third time had he been alive, was brought to tears by the sight of a bust of her former husband this week as she joined Prince Charles at a gala evening in Buckingham Palace.

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Dame Elizabeth had flown into the city of her birth from LA to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Welsh College of Music and Drama – Richard was born in Pontrhydyfen in 1925.She was there to present the Prince of Wales with the sculpture, which will stand in the foyer of a new theatre in Cardiff named after the actor. "Richard would have been so deeply touched by this honour, as am I," she said. "It's wonderful to be here and join in this celebration, along with many others who remember and respect Richard with so much love in their hearts."

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Asked by the prince whether she thought it was a good likeness, the actress burst into tears. "Marvellous," she replied.Other celebrities who turned out to mark the occasion included Andrew Lloyd Webber and Welsh diva Dame Shirley Bassey.Elizabeth and Richard fell in love while filming Cleopatra together in 1961, despite both being married to other people.In 1974, the couple divorced after 11 years of marriage, and after remarrying again shortly afterwards, split again in July 1976.

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