Queen Elizabeth Would Have Been a Different Monarch If It Weren’t For Prince Philip, Author Says
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were married for 73 years before his death in 2021. Prince Philip was by Her Majesty’s side for much of her reign, so it is perhaps not surprising that he had a huge influence on her role as a monarch. According to a royal author, Queen Elizabeth would have been a different monarch if it were not for him.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s secret to their long marriage
Like any couple, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s marriage did have some challenges. For example, they dealt with infidelity rumors, scandals, and personal family problems. However, the two of them continued to stay together through thick and thin.
In 1997, in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary, the Duke of Edinburgh shared their secret to a long marriage. He said (via Metro), “I think the main lesson that we have learnt is that tolerance is the one essential ingredient of any happy marriage. It may not be quite so important when things are going well, but it is absolutely vital when the going gets difficult.”
He also added, “You can take it from me that the Queen has the quality of tolerance in abundance.”
Meanwhile, their grandson Prince William also once commented on how their relationship had survived for decades. “He makes her laugh because some of the things he says and does and the way he looks at life is obviously slightly different than her, so together they’re a great couple.”
Author says Her Majesty would have been a different monarch without Prince Philip
According to author Tina Brown, Prince Philip played a huge role in making the queen the monarch we know her as today.
“I think Philip was very important to the queen,” she said on the British show Lorraine. “He was her truth-teller. He was the person who could always be relied on never to throw smoke at her—to tell her what it was, give her advice.”
Brown added, “I think she would have been a much more timid monarch, actually, without Philip to also guide her towards change and evolution.”
Tina Brown says a monarch’s spouse plays a big role in their success
Brown also believes that, in general, a monarch’s spouse has a big influence on how successful the monarch can be. In addition to Prince Philip bringing out the best in Queen Elizabeth, Brown believes this was the case for Her Majesty’s parents: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.
“She nurtured him and helped him to become a good king even though he’s a very shy man,” Brown said.
Looking at future monarchs, Brown believes Prince Charles and Prince William are on a good path as both of them have supportive spouses. Brown stated that Charles is “happily married” to Camilla Parker Bowles, while William’s marriage to Kate Middleton is “like a rock.”
