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MAY 31 2012 / Diamond Jubilee 2012 - Relate's reaction to coronation in 1953 and Rules for Happy Marriage from 1947

This weekend, we mark 60 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne. To fit in with the theme of the weekend, we've been sharing our Rules for Happy Marriage from 1947 on Twitter (http://sfy.co/11Ub) and we thought we'd share what Relate said about her coronation in 1953 to mark the occasion!

Here's what we said nearly 60 years ago:

 

 

The full text for those of you who have any trouble seeing the image:

(From "Marriage Guidance" bulletin, July 1953)

"A Shining Example

In this Coronation summer, our thoughts turn at once to our beloved Queen and also to the nation-wide expression of love to her, her husband and children, which every day of recent weeks has brought forth. We of the National Marriage Guidance Council desire to associate ourselves with the loyalty and affectionate gratitude which are flowing to the Royal Family.

We owe more than we can put into words to the shining example of happy family life which is set us by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. In these days when rapid change is eating so subtly into the structure of the family and marriage, it is a matter for profound thankfulness that at the heart of the Commonwealth there should be so great an ideal so visibly expressed. Her majesty the Queen and her family are not only beloved of us all, but are a source of inspiration through the length and breadth of Britain.

Many of us remember being profoundly moved by her self-dedication on her twenty-first birthday to the service of the community. All who watched the Coronation either in person or on their television sets, must have caught again the same dedicatory note. We too can share such an act. There is need that the whole nation should follow the Queen in seeking the best and serving not self but the whole. In such a universal dedication perhaps nothing will be more important and far reaching than a revival in British homes of the excellence of family life.

So we say from our hearts, God bless and save our gracious young Queen, her husband and family."

 

 

And, from 1947 (the year of the Queen's marriage to the Duke of Edinburgh), from "Marriage Guidance" bulletin, October 1947:

"Rules for Happy Marriage

Many recipes for married happiness must have been drawn up since the world began. The latest is contributed by the Rev. Louis A. Ewart, Vicar of Earls Bardon, Northants. It is in the form of ten commandments to married people. Here they are:-

(1) Always tell the truth;

(2) Love, goodwill, wisdom and understanding are required;

(3) A sense of humour is quite necessary;

(4) Respect each other and each other's desire for privacy;

(5) Be tolerant - outward appearances are often deceptive;

(6) Be patient; it is foolish to fuss about small things;

(7) Never let the sun set on your anger; no matter what may happen during the day, never forget the good-night kiss;

(8) Avoid self-consciousness and false pride - both are stumbling blocks on the road to married happiness;

(9) Remember that marriage is a game that must be played on a fifty-fifty basis; in other words, give and take, bear and forebear;

(10) Always be companionable and do not forget to smile - this is of vital importance."

A slightly different approach than we would take today! How do you think these would measure up now? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.