King Charles sends Platinum anniversary card to Co Antrim couple
Jean and James Simpson have been married for 70 years
Last updated 2nd Feb 2024
Over the course of seven decades the country has seen the crowning of two monarchs, several Prime Ministers, The Troubles, a global pandemic, and many other historically momentous events.
All of which Mary-Jane and James Simpson have witnessed and experienced together as a married couple.
Mary-Jane, or as she prefers to be called Jean, and her husband James marked their Platinum wedding anniversary on January 29th 2024.
An impressive milestone made arguably more special by receiving a surprise card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Inside the card reads: “We send our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wished on the celebration of your Platinum wedding anniversary on 29th January, 2024. May your celebrations be particularly happy and memorable.”
The pair however are no strangers to receiving cards from the Royal family as this brings the number in their collection to three.
For their 60th and 65th wedding anniversary Mr and Mrs Simpson also received a card from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Mrs Simpson said “We are married 70 years, quite a while and a lot of changes in that time. We are very pleased with it, very pleased.”
Mr and Mrs Simpson, whose marriage has been given the Royal seal of approval, first met down a country lane close to Jean’s home.
James was visiting a relation who lived nearby and was told about the "nice girl who lived in the next farm". In a first attempt to meet her, he rode his bike down her lane but he chickened out and turned back.
However, it was not until sometime later at a party in Cunningham Memorial Cullybackey that James approached Jean. He said when his now wife caught his eye, he “made straight for her.” Reflecting on that time James said he thinks it “must have been Gods will for us to come together.”
After falling in love at first sight James, a year, and a half later, popped the question but when asked if he got down on one knee he replied with a chuckle: “I forgot about that part.”
The pair made their wedding vows at Clough Presbyterian Church James aged eighteen and Jean aged twenty.
The pair celebrated their nuptials with around 40 or 50 people at Café in Ballymena known then as Davidsons. The next day they set off on their honeymoon to Scotland.
Now 70 years later they are celebrating this major milestone surrounded by their many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren at a special gathering today (Saturday).
When asked about the secret to a long and successful marriage, the pair were united in their answer.
Mr Simpson said: “I heard about this man and his marriage one time where the man and woman fell out a lot, but our marriage was not like that.
Jean added: “You have your ups and downs. But we are still here. We were happy; you had your arguments it is not easy agreeing all the time.
“But it never went anywhere.”
Read More:
EasyJet announces ‘grans go free’ deal for the summer
Belfast Zoo welcomes two monkey babies🐒
How to listen to Downtown Radio: