Camilla Says Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip Are "Two of the Most Remarkable People" in British History
Ahead of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall's 75th birthday next week, she attended a birthday lunch thrown by The Oldie.
"I am particularly pleased to be with you for the second year running—there are a few consolations to being a confirmed 'Oldie'," Camilla said, "but an invitation to one of your very special lunches, particularly a birthday one, is surely a highlight!"
During her remarks, Camilla reflected on 1947, the year she was born.
"You might not believe it, but I have actually been trying to keep quiet about reaching three quarters of a century—and, as you see, have failed dismally," she joked. "I know that some of you were around in 1947—by the way, a vintage year for claret. It was also the year when the first of the Ealing Comedies was released, the school leaving age was raised to 15, Gardeners’ Question Time was first broadcast, the University of Cambridge admitted women to full membership and soft loo paper went on sale for the first time, in Harrods— much to the nation’s relief."
But, Camilla continued, most important in 1947, "the then-Princess Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten—two of the most remarkable people in our country’s history."
Camilla then spoke about the Duke of Edinburgh's life motto. "The Duke of Edinburgh’s philosophy was clear: ‘Look up and look out, say less, do more—and get on with the job.'" She continued, "That is just what I intend to do. Both he and Her Majesty have always been the very touchstone of what it truly means to 'get on with the job,' and an inspiration to each one of us here to do the same, whatever our age."
During their 50th wedding anniversary in November 1997, Queen Elizabeth famously called Prince Philip her "strength and stay" over all the years. Prince Philip officially retired from public life in 2017, at age 96—a remarkable life of service—and passed away in 2021 at age 99.
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