Queen Elizabeth's Most Moving Quotes About Prince Philip
"He has been a constant strength and guide."
On the morning of April 9, 2021, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away at age 99. Philip had ended his royal duties in 2017 after more than 22,000 appearances. While it's rare for those in the royal family to display public affection, over their 73 years of marriage the Queen has shared her love and respect for Prince Philip with the world.
Below, some of the most touching things she's said about her late husband.
On Strength
"During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure. Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind. But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide." —Diamond Jubilee speech, 2012
"All too often, I fear, Prince Philip has had to listen to me speaking. Frequently we have discussed my intended speech beforehand and, as you will imagine, his views have been expressed in a forthright manner. He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know." —Golden Wedding Anniversary speech, 199
On Marriage
"If I am asked what I think about family life after 25 years of marriage, I can answer with equal simplicity and conviction, I am for it."—Silver Wedding speech, 1972
"I don't know that anyone had invented the term platinum' for a 70th wedding anniversary when I was born. You weren't expected to be around that long." —During her 2017 Christmas message
On His Sense of Humor:
"Even Prince Philip has decided it’s time to slow down a little—having, as he economically put it, “done his bit”. But I know his support and unique sense of humour will remain as strong as ever.’"—During her 2017 Christmas message
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Megan DiTrolio is the editor of features and special projects at Marie Claire, where she oversees all career coverage and writes and edits stories on women’s issues, politics, cultural trends, and more. In addition to editing feature stories, she programs Marie Claire’s annual Power Trip conference and Marie Claire’s Getting Down To Business Instagram Live franchise.
-
Kristin Davis Was Offered Just $5,000 to Play Charlotte in the 'Sex and the City' Pilot, so She Called Her Lawyer
Charlotte York knows her worth.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Announces She's in Remission, Touches on How Prince William and Her Kids Were Impacted by Her Cancer
"Loved ones need support just as much."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The New York Fashion Week Calendar's Energy: "We're So Back"
Several brands are finally returning to the runway.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Royal Courtiers Allegedly Gave Prince Harry and Prince Andrew Unexpected 'Dukes of Hazzard' Nicknames
A royal expert claimed the nicknames—inspired by the famous TV show—relate to King Charles.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself
"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules Attached
The present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business Venture
Get ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"
The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Views This Royal Family Member as a "Brother" and Someone He Can "Always Rely On"
"There's no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025
The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
This Unexpected Royal is Being Called "a Reincarnation" of Queen Elizabeth
Her legacy lives on.
By Kristin Contino Published