The Yorkshire Post says: Congratulations to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh and a thank you for 70 years of stability

That is because the strength of their marriage over these seven decades is the bedrock on which the outstanding success of the Queen’s reign has been built. It has enabled the monarchy to adapt to changing times, to weather periods of difficulty, and remain the symbol of continuity and stability that lies at the heart of our nation.

And it is as a couple that the Queen and Prince Philip have forged the unique bond of affection between monarchy and people, across thousands of Royal visits greeted by cheering crowds who turned out to see them.

The affection in which they are held mirrors that shown on their wedding day, on November 20 1947, which brought a welcome splash of colour and good cheer to a Britain battered and exhausted by the Second World War.

Theirs has been a joint lifetime of service to the nation. Though, sensibly, the Queen has scaled back her public duties and Prince Philip retired from solo engagements earlier this year, the Royal couple continue to serve with all the enthusiasm and high regard for the people that they showed 70 years ago as young newlyweds.

There have been many occasions to celebrate the lives of the Queen and Prince Philip in recent years, notably the Diamond Jubilee and the anniversary of her becoming Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

Today is another, and every good wish that goes to them is richly deserved.