Their union was frowned upon by many. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who are actually cousins, didn't have an easy journey to the aisle. Due to Philip's arrogance and lack of funds, it was widely considered that the future Queen should pick another suitor. Fortunately Elizabeth ignored the doubters, and moved forward with the wedding.
Prince Philip planned a sweet proposal. While walking around the grounds of Balmoral Castle (in Scotland), Philip popped the question. Since Elizabeth's parents didn't approve at the time, they had to keep it a secret for quite a while.
The Queen's engagement and wedding rings are both stunners. Prince Philip proposed with a 3 carat diamond and platinum engagement ring crafted by Philip Antrobus. The jewelry company took diamonds from a tiara belonging to Prince Philip's mother, Princess Andrew of Greece, adding a special familial touch. For her wedding ring, a nugget of Welsh gold from the Clogau St David's mine, near Dolgellau, was used.
Philip had not one, but two bachelor parties. Or "stag parties," as they're called in the UK. The night before the wedding, Philip hosted a party at the Dorchester open to the press, who were invited to cover the protocol of the day. It reportedly got a little out of hand: Philip and his friends ended up ripping the flashbulbs off of a few cameras and stomping them on the ground before moving on to a private stag party at London's Belfry Club.