A new revealing biography about Prince Philip claims that despite his lengthy and allegedly happy relationship with Queen Elizabeth II, a couple of days before his wedding ceremony, the Duke of Edinburgh was unsure if he wanted to go through with the marriage at all.
According to the author of the book, Ingrid Seward, Prince Philip was uncertain if he wanted to tie the knot with the future monarch.
His cold feet pushed him to go on a getaway trip to Cornwall in the company of the renowned writer Daphne du Maurier, who was also famous for her beauty.
Even though Prince Philip’s connection to du Maurier was described as purely platonic and “emotionally intimate” (not sexual) after spending some time with her, he supposedly claimed, “I don’t want to go back, I want to stay with you.”
However, the novelist answered back by stating that the country needed him, and he had to do his duty.
Prince Philip and Princess Elizabeth married in 1947, and despite living happily for a few years as newly-weds, their lives changed drastically with the death of King George VI in 1952.
Following the accession of Elizabeth to the throne, her husband was reportedly unsatisfied that he had to sacrifice his military career so he could fulfill his duties as the queen’s consort.
In addition, the Duke of Edinburgh was also offended by the fact that his progeny would not bear his family name, Mountbatten, but would take the family name of his wife, Windsor.
However, according to sources close to the royal family, Prince Philip proved to be a wonderful father to his children, despite being harsh to his eldest son on occasion.
Elizabeth’s cousin, Margaret Rhodes, confessed to Seward that while Philip was “wonderful” with small children, “it was when they grew and developed their own personalities that Philip seemed to lose interest.”
Throughout the years, there have been multiple rumors about Elizabeth and Philip’s infidelities, but they have found a way to forge a special bond that has enabled them to celebrate 73 years of marriage.
Seward shared: “It’s quite extraordinary, really… In those days, it wasn’t quite so unusual to have a young girl fall in love with someone and stay in love with them. But she never really looked at anyone else once she met him. He was just gorgeous. He was so handsome, tall, blonde and very funny. And you know, women love funny men.”
On November 20th, Queen, 94, and Duke of Edinburgh, 99, shared a sweet photo where they looked moved as they read a homemade card from their great-grandchildren as they celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.
