Fiery Philip and cautious Queen prove that opposites can attract

THE ROYAL relationship could be taken as proof that, sometimes, opposites do attract.

While the Queen is seen as passive, cautious and conventional, the Duke of Edinburgh is adventurous, tempestuous and active.

The success of their long-lasting union has been put down to their compatibility. They have shared interests and the same dutiful Royal training.

Both love horses and outdoor life. Both regard displays of emotion as matters to be kept private.

Their grandson, the Duke of Cambridge, has summed up their bond.

“He makes her laugh because some of the things he says and does and the way he looks at life is obviously slightly different than her, so together they’re a great couple,” William has said.

The unwavering partnership between the Queen and her consort has remained intact, even when the marriages of the younger generation have fallen by the wayside.

Their partnership was a traditional one and the Queen grew up in a world where it was the man who was in charge at home.

Lord Charteris, the Queen’s former private secretary, once recalled: “Prince Philip is the only man in the world who treats the Queen simply as another human being. He’s the only man who can. I believe she values that.”

Lord Mountbatten remembered how Philip, who had a record of minor motoring accidents, was driving his wife to Cowdray Park. The Queen, worried about the speed of the car, started to draw in breath.

Eventually her husband barked: “If you do that once more, I shall put you out of the car.”

When they arrived, Mountbatten asked her: “Why didn’t you protest? You were quite right, he was going much too fast.”

The Queen looked puzzled, and replied: “But you heard what he said.”