The Queen and Prince Philip: the youthful romance that became an enduring love match

Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward waving to the crowds from the balcony at Buckingham Palace, during the Trooping of the Colour.

The Queen and Prince Philip are joined at Clarence House by their immediate family, HRH The Prince of Wales (L), HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal (above C), HRH The Duke of York (TopL) and HRH The Earl of Wessex (TopR) on the occasion of a dinner hosted by Prince Charles and Camilla to celebrate the forthcoming Diamond Wedding Anniversary of the Queen and The Duke, on Sunday November 18, 2007.

The royal family at Buckingham Palace, London, 1972.

Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and her fiance, Philip Mountbatten at Buckingham Palace, after their engagement was announced, 10th July 1947.

Princess Elizabeth was 21 years old when she married Prince Philip, 26.

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, kisses Queen Elizabeth II during the new year's eve celebration at the Millennium Dome on 31 December, 1999.

The Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh re-visit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20. The royals spent their wedding night at Broadlands in Hampshire in November 1947, the former home of Prince Philip's uncle, Earl Mountbatten.

Princess Elizabeth with her husband Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh and their children Prince Charles and Princess Anne in 1951.

Queen Elizabeth II with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, at Balmoral in 1976.

Princess Elizabeth with Philip Mountbatten on their wedding day on 20 November 1947.

The Monarch was only 27 years old when she was crowned Queen.

The Duke of Edinburgh has a great sense of humour.