Queen Elizabeth praises Prince Philip's sense of humour

27 December 2017

Queen Elizabeth has praised her husband Prince Philip for his "unique sense of humour".

Queen Elizabeth

The 91-year-old monarch took the time to praise her long-standing relationship with the Prince - whom she has been married to for a whopping seven decades - during her annual Christmas message, which aired on BBC One on Christmas Day (25.12.17), as she said she was "grateful" to be blessed with a loving family.

She said: "[I am] grateful for the blessings of home and family, and in particular for 70 years of marriage.

"I don't know that anyone had invented the term 'platinum' for a 70th wedding anniversary when I was born, you weren't expected to be around that long. Even Prince Philip has decided it's time to slow down a little - having, as he economically put it, 'done his bit'.

"But I know his support and unique sense of humour will remain as strong as ever, as we enjoy spending time this Christmas with our family and look forward to welcoming new members into it next year."

The "new members" of the royal family will include Meghan Markle - who is set to marry Queen Elizabeth's grandson Prince Harry in May next year - and the third child for her other grandson Prince William and his wife Duchess Catherine, who is expected to be born in April.

During her Christmas message, the monarch also touched upon the terrorist atrocities that struck cities including Manchester and London earlier this year, and praised those who had survived the attacks for "showing extraordinary bravery."

She added: "This Christmas, I think of London and Manchester, whose powerful identities shone through over the past twelve months in the face of appalling attacks.

"In Manchester, those targeted included children who had gone to see their favourite singer. A few days after the bombing, I had the privilege of meeting some of the young survivors and their parents.

"I describe that hospital visit as a 'privilege' because the patients I met were an example to us all, showing extraordinary bravery and resilience.

"Indeed, many of those who survived the attack came together just days later for a benefit concert. It was a powerful reclaiming of the ground, and of the city those young people call home."