I I guess the Queen and Prince Philip have had their ups and downs like any married couple, and even more as being royal, their marriage is far from ordinary and always in the public gaze.
I remember as a cub reporter having to write up on golden and diamond wedding anniversaries. When asked the secret of their success, they invariably replied the same – to give and take.
It reminded me of my husband’s best man’s speech at our wedding when he commented on this formula by saying: “My advice to Stephen is, give up thinking you are the boss, agree with Ellee and take the easy way out. To Ellee I say, take no nonsense from Stephen, and make sure you give him hell!”
Now just imagine if I had taken his advice literally ….
I wish our monarch a very happy anniversary, getting married is easy, it’s staying married that’s the hard part, that’s what my mum always says.
If you have any marriage tips, then do feel to share them here. Mine would be to keep talking and spend time together, enjoying each other’s company. Families get wound up wanting to spend quality time with their children, when really it’s the parents who need that time alone.
My tips
Forget arguing , women cannot negotiate . Win by the delicate use of guile and deceit.Women have emotional needs and if they are met they are really not interested in the truth. Never forget this ..
Your last sentence, Ellee, says it all. Good coming from serious me but maybe a sense of humour too.
Old reprobate, you mention marriage in the past tense. Good luck with whatever is happening in your life right now.
James, yes, humour can work wonders, we can all take ourselves too seriously at times.
Newmania, You should have a very happy wifey, by the sounds of it. 😉
Give and take is indeed a key element.
Sorry, Ellee, but you know I’m a republican! Those 2 have had none of the financial worries that beset most people so if you ask me, they have had an easy ride. And the sycophantic press coverage makes me sick. P has not exactly been a faithful husband, from what I’ve read. I hope the whole, antiquated, hypocritical monarchy comes tumbling down.
Welshcakes, there is no need ever for you to apologise for your beliefs. Who knows with any marriage what goes on behind closed doors, some marriages can survive infidelity, I can’t judge other people’s relationships.
My parents tips would be: Dad – it’s give and take, he gives, she takes. Mum – be careful what you say, you cannot take it back.
For my own part I would not agree with Newmania about deceit, but I would agree that “Women have emotional needs” and if they are met they are really not interested in mens posturing to be the biggest, strongest, cleverest etc. Every man I have cared about, some deeply and some not much, has cared more about the ‘competition’ than about me.
Laughter always helps – although perhaps not when your wife is showing you the posh frock she’s just bought for your office do!
..and not when he’s naked Liz 😀
Even after 46 years I don’t know why some people are happily married and others are not and cannot remain together. This marriage has certainly been lived on a public stage although who knows what has gone on behind the scenes. It can’t have been easy since she is Queen.
Still happy anniversary indeed.
Congrats to Liz and the gaff prone Duke
In our case I’d say a shared sense of humour – and fun – goes a long way. And not taking ourselves too seriously – which I have been guilty of. Always my downfall!
I congratulate anyone who can live together for 60 years. My parents had their ‘golden’ wedding anniversary last year, may they both still be together for the sixtieth.
But I’ve always wondered which half of the kingdom Prince Philip would have got, if he’d ever divorced. Still better be co-regent of a whole kingdom, than ‘ruler’ of half, eh
Congratulations on living together for 60 years, E & P. It must have been difficult in such a small house.