Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. The couple married on 19 June 1999 at St George's Chapel in Windsor, after a long courtship that began in 1993. They were introduced by a mutual friend and started dating that year.
During their engagement interview in January 1999, Edward explained why it took him so long to propose. He said: 'It's impossible for anybody else to understand why it has taken me so long. But I don't think it had been right before and I don't think Sophie would have said yes. Hopefully the fact that she has said yes means I've got the timing right.'
The couple have two children: James, Earl of Wessex, who is taking his GCSEs, and Lady Louise, who studies English literature at St Andrews University. Edward and Sophie have been praised for their down-to-earth nature and strong partnership.
Earlier this year, for Edward's 60th birthday, Sophie described him as 'the best of fathers and the most loving of husbands and still is my best friend'. Edward has called Sophie his 'rock', adding: 'I'm incredibly lucky that I found Sophie and that she found me.'
