A Diamond Anniversary!

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip celebrate sixty years of married life on November 20th. That's a long time. Elizabeth was a 21 year old princess and Philip was a 26 year old naval officer when they first married. Four children later, the Queen is 81 and Philip 86. They've shared a glamorous but rough life together in the public eye, and they are still standing. More than 2,ooo people are expected to attende their anniversary service at Westminster Abbey.

"They've always leaned on each other,' says Pru Penn, who is older than the Queen by three months. "How else do you think she managed to cope so incredibly well through such tough times? Whatever people may think, they haven't had an easy life, especially in recent years, but they've had each other, and they still need each other. I was watching them teasing each other and giggling just the other day and I thought, how lucky they are to have each other. They've always been different - he's sharp, decisive, bold, and she's cautious and slow to make up her mind - and they don't always like the same things, but they fit like hand in glove."

Interesting thing is many people didn't think he would be a good suitor because of his background. Yet the Queen laid eyes on him 8 years prior and thought to herself, "That's the man I want to marry." I guess when you're a princess and daughter of the King of England, you can do that! To this day, she still looks at Philip with a glint in her eye whether he's barbecuing on the terrace or at a public engagement. Love it!

Although Philip came from royal blood, many feared he would not make it with the rigors of royal life but instead turn back to his father's example as a gambler and womaniser. Many thought Philip to be too rough and uneducated. Yet, 60 years later, here they are. And apparently they do still sleep in the same bed, despite the rumors going around that they don't.

In a world of quickie solutions and broken relationships, I'm thankful to hear of their 60 years together. Not only is it possible, it is happening in the world today.....Congratulations Queen Elizabeth and Philip.

Two couples I spent some time with this past summer also hit a milestone - the 50 year mark. I love hearing their stories. It gives me hope for the future, that it is possible. I'm sure it takes a lot of work, patience, perseverance, mutual respect, encouragement and a ton of other components but it sure looks inviting! To say you've made it to 60 years is quite a huge accomplishment.