Queen Elizabeth II did not marry her cousin, and the idea that she did is a common misconception. The confusion may arise from the fact that Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, are both descendants of Queen Victoria, making them distant cousins. However, their relationship is not considered close enough to be considered marrying cousins in the traditional sense.
Queen Elizabeth II, born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, married Philip Mountbatten, also known as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, on November 20, 1947. Prince Philip was born into the Greek and Danish royal families, but he renounced his titles and adopted the surname Mountbatten when he became a naturalized British subject before their marriage.
The couple first met in 1934 when Elizabeth was only 8 years old, and Philip was 13. Their paths crossed again in 1939 when they were reintroduced during a visit to the Royal Naval College, and it was during this time that a romance began to blossom. They exchanged letters and kept in touch throughout World War II.
While it is true that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are distantly related through their shared ancestry, it is not uncommon for European royalty to intermarry throughout history. Many royal families in Europe have intermarried to consolidate power, form alliances, or maintain their lineage. This practice was especially prevalent among European royalty in the past.
In the case of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, their distant familial connection through Queen Victoria is not unusual when considering the genealogical interconnections within European royal families. Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, had nine children who married into various European royal families. As a result, her descendants can be found in many royal households across Europe.
It is worth noting that the idea of marrying cousins has different connotations and cultural perceptions in different societies. While it may seem strange or unusual to some, it is important to consider historical context and cultural norms. Marriages between distant relatives, such as second or third cousins, were not uncommon in the past and were often seen as a way to maintain social status or dynastic alliances.
In the case of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, their marriage has been a long-lasting and enduring partnership. They celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary in 2017, marking 70 years of marriage, making them the first British monarch and consort to reach such a milestone. Their marriage has been characterized by mutual support, shared responsibilities, and a commitment to their roles as representatives of the British monarchy.
Queen Elizabeth II did not marry her cousin. While she and Prince Philip share a distant familial connection through their shared ancestry, their relationship is not considered marrying cousins in the traditional sense. The practice of intermarriage within European royal families, including distant cousin unions, has been common throughout history for various reasons. It is important to understand historical context and cultural norms when discussing royal marriages to avoid misconceptions and misinterpretations.
