Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip: The Royal Couple Who Rarely Show Public Affection

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have been married for almost 70 years, but their public displays of affection are few and far between.

Despite spending most of their adult lives together, the couple refrains from embracing at royal engagements and public events.

However, there have been a handful of occasions when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have shared tender moments.

One of the most famous embraces was during the Queen's coronation in 1953.

After pledging his allegiance to the Queen, Prince Philip simply pecked her on the cheek, an unscripted move which was said to have infuriated the Queen Mother.

Another intimate moment was captured in 1982 when the couple shared a sweet goodbye before the Queen boarded a plane for London from Ottawa.

According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, it is very rare for members of the royal family to show affection publicly on official engagements.

“It doesn't look appropriate or professional,” he said.

A public embrace would mean royal body language is the story rather than the event the couple is attending.

The Queen and Prince Philip's lack of PDA has reportedly set the precedent for other royals.

Despite being obviously besotted with each other, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are rarely seen holding hands in public.

Body language experts say the Queen set the trend, and while the monarchy is allowed to be physically affectionate, they choose not to as a matter of decorum.

The royal couple will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this month by hosting a low-key dinner party with family and friends.

Royal sources say they could not face celebrating the anniversary in public after losing so many friends over the last few years.

The celebration will be marked only by a set of commemorative souvenirs, including a set of double-headed platinum coins, a new biography of the couple, and a single to raise money for one of their charities.

It is clear that the Queen and Prince Philip value their privacy and prefer to keep their affection for each other behind closed doors.