Elizabeth first met Philip Mountbatten, son of Prince Andrew of Greece, when she was only 13 and was smitten with him from the start. Distant cousins, the pair kept in touch over the years and eventually fell in love. Her father, King George VI, was hesitant about the match. Mountbatten had ties to both the Danish and Greek royal families, but he didn't possess great wealth and was a bit rough in his personality. They made an unusual pair. Elizabeth was quiet and reserved while Philip was boisterous and outspoken.At the time of their marriage in 1947, Great Britain was still recovering from the ravages of World War II. Elizabeth is said to have collected clothing coupons to get fabric for her gown. The ceremony was held at London's Westminster Abbey on November 20. The couple wasted no time in producing a heir. Son Charles was born the following year and daughter Anne arrived in 1950.

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Modern Monarchies