What’s the key to Queen Elizabeth’s heart?
Royal biographer Gyles Brandreth was given “privileged access” to the Queen and Philip for his 2004 book, Portrait of a Marriage, and shared some key moments of his conversations, including praise for the prince for being the “power behind the throne.”
“If we regard the Queen’s record-breaking reign as a success – and I think most of us do – Prince Philip is the co-author of that success. The Queen wears the crown, but her husband wears the trousers. He is the power behind the throne – shrewd, steadfast, never-failingly supportive,” he shared.
“And despite their closeness, the royal couple won’t ever be seen holding hands in public due to the “stoic values” of their generation”, Brandreth revealed.
“I once asked Prince Philip about the reported differences between him and his eldest son, Prince Charles,” Brandreth wrote. “He acknowledged ‘one great difference’ between them. ‘He’s a romantic,’ he said, ‘and I’m a pragmatist – that means we do see things differently.’ ”
While Philip may not be a self-proclaimed romantic, that doesn’t mean he can’t still sweep his wife off her feet every now and then. We feel sure he did just that when he presented her with this painting that he did of her having her breakfast.
Happy birthday, Prince Philip. Many happy returns!
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