The Governor-General, the Hon Anand Satyanand, has sent his best wishes and those of all New Zealanders to The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh on the occasion of their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

Queen Elizabeth II of New Zealand and Prince Philip were married 60 years ago today in 1947 in Westminster Abbey.  The Queen ascended to the Throne on the death of her father, George VI in 1952.

The Governor-General congratulated the Royal couple on the Anniversary of their marriage.

"Coming soon after the end of the Second World War, that had wrought so much devastation in Europe and brought so much hardship, the marriage was heralded through Britain and the Commonwealth with much rejoicing.

"In 60 years of marriage, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have shown dedication and service to the people of the United Kingdom, of New Zealand and the Commonwealth.  It was with pleasure that I sent a message of congratulations to them on behalf of the people of New Zealand."

Over the course of her reign, The Queen has visited New Zealand 10 times. Together with The Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen has travelled throughout the country to meet people from every culture, walk of life and region. 

The Queen made her first visit in 1953 during the first Commonwealth tour of her reign.  She was the first reigning monarch to open the New Zealand Parliament, and made her Christmas broadcast for 1953 from Government House in Auckland.

The Queen last visited New Zealand during her Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002, visiting Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington before travelling on to Australia.

A special feature page, including links to The Queens' website, has been added to the Governor-Generals' website: http://www.gg.govt.nz/features/

For further enquiries contact: Antony Paltridge, Government House, 04-382-0827