While there are many love stories to admire within the royal family, Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip's bond is extra deserving of a celebration.
On April 9, the royal family shared in a statement that Philip had passed away at 99. "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the statement read. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
The death leaves what could only be a heartbreaking loss for the Queen, who has had Philip in her life for nearly eight decades.
So how did this love story begin? As it turns out, the pair first met when Elizabeth was 13 and Philip was 18. Thanks to the power of love letters, chemistry and similar interests, the couple secretly got engaged in the summer of 1946.
Less than one year later, the pair wed before 2,000 guests at Westminster Abbey. While it was certainly a romantic ceremony, it also marked one of the first royal festivities since the end of World War ll.
Back in February of this year, Prince Philip was hospitalized as a precautionary measure on the advice of his doctor. At the time, Buckingham Palace said he was "feeling unwell." He underwent a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition March 4 and was later released March 16.
Through the ups and downs of life, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth savored all of their time together whether in public or in private.
"I take this opportunity to mention the strength I draw from my own family," the Queen once shared during a Golden Jubilee speech. "The Duke of Edinburgh has made an invaluable contribution to my life over these past 50 years." Take a look at their love story below.
1947: The Engagement
Princess Elizabeth met Philip Mountbatten at age 13 on a tour of the Royal Naval College in 1939. As the story goes, the two fell in love and began a written correspondence that led to Philip asking the King for Elizabeth's hand in marriage in 1946. Shortly after announcing their engagement, the royal couple posed for this precious photo at Buckingham Palace.
1947: The Royal Wedding
The pair married Nov. 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey. Just look at her gown! The marriage was a major national celebration, but came at a hard time for the country, which was still recovering from World War II.
1947: The Honeymoon
After their honeymoon, the happy couple took a stroll in the gardens at Broadlands in Hampshire.
1948: A Prince is Born
Philip stood behind Elizabeth, who cradled Prince Charles after his christening at Buckingham Palace.
1949: Horsing Around
The cute couple attended a Royal Horse Show at Windsor. They may have been there for the horses, but they only got eyes for each other.
1951: Stepping out
Philip and Elizabeth showed off their moves at a square dance held in their honor in Ottawa, Canada.
1951: A Growing Family
Elizabeth and Philip watched over 3-year-old Prince Charles and baby Princess Anne at Clarence House in Westminster.
1952: A Family Vacation
The royal family posed for a photo during a getaway at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
1953: Becoming the Queen
Following the death of her father, King George VI, Elizabeth was crowned Queen Elizabeth II at only 25 years old. On her coronation day, she became the ruling monarch of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon. All the while, Prince Philip was right by her side.
1955: The Royal Family Relaxes
The royal family enjoyed summer vacation in August 1955 at Balmoral Castle. Prince Philip swung Prince Charles and Princess Anne while Queen Elizabeth looked on, holding her pet corgi.
1965: Prince Edward is born
The royal family played with baby Prince Edward in Windsor.
1972: Stealing Time for Themselves
The royal couple spent some time alone at the Balmoral Estate in Scotland.
1974: Supporting the Troops
The Queen and Prince Philip turned out for the annual Trooping the Color ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
1977: Smiling in the Sun
The royal couple soaked up some sun on a tour of Fiji in 1977.
1982: The Perfect Couple
The pair looked regal as ever in this fun photo from a tour of Tuvalu in the 1980s.
1986: Foreign Figures
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip explored the Great Wall of China on a royal tour of the country.
2002: Royal Duties
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip smiled after the Queen's annual speech at the ceremonial State Opening of Parliament in London.
2003: A Loving Laugh
The Queen laughed after she realized the man dressed up as part of the Queen's Guard was her husband, Prince Philip.
2006: Celebrating the Queen's 80th Birthday
Elizabeth and Philip were all smiles for the Queen's 80th birthday dinner, which was held at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
2007: The Diamond Anniversary
The pair returned to Broadlands for their 60th wedding anniversary. This image was a recreation of a photo taken just after their wedding in 1947. It looked like the Queen was wearing the very same necklace and brooch!
2011: The Royal Family Today
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip took to the sidelines to celebrate Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton's marriage in 2011.
2015: Making Memories
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip held hands as they left a ceremony marking the end of combat operations in Afghanistan at St Paul's Cathedral in London.
2015: A Timeless Romance
The royal couple has been through everything together and still looked at each other with loving eyes 68 years later. They truly have a timeless romance.
2017: Platinum Anniversary
The couple marked their historic 70th wedding anniversary in 2017, making them the longest marriage in British royal history.
2020: Prince Philip's 99th Birthday
The pair sweetly posed for a photo ahead of Prince Philip's 99th birthday at Windsor Castle.