In a historic speech to the UK Houses of Parliament to mark her Diamond Jubilee today, the Queen, resplendent in yellow, paid tribute to her husband Prince Philip, saying, “During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure. Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind. But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.”
Prince Philip, seated next to her as she spoke on the steps of Westminster Hall, declined to crack a smile at her remark.
The Queen also remarked on the fact that Queen Victoria is the only other monarch to have been on the throne as long as her.
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She said: “In an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.”
During the event a new stained glass window—a gift from the members of both Houses—was unveiled to mark the monarch’s 60-year reign.
