An elderly couple has secretly eloped to Gretna Green to mark the groom’s 97th birthday.
Jean Owen and Robert Thorp proved that it’s never too late to tie the knot – nor to keep secrets from their children.
Having known each other for 30 years, the pair were originally family friends and often holidayed together with their former partners.
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But after they both lost their spouses, 88-year-old Jean and Robert, who is nine years her senior, remained close.
During lockdown, things became romantic, and ever since, their children have been pestering them about when they will get married.
But instead of announcing an engagement and having a big family wedding, the pair did something historically more associated with youths – they ran off to Gretna Green.
Travelling from London on 26 August, the couple got hitched at the iconic destination famed for elopements.
It was Robert’s birthday, giving them even more reason to celebrate, as reported by Whats The Jam.
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The pair surprised their family members by revealing the news once they got home.
The couple, who bonded over their love of dancing, still keep their feet moving with regular dance sessions.
Robert joked: “The only problem is that I can’t throw Jean over my shoulder like I used to!”
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An adorable video has gone viral on social media with 130,000 views, showing the loved-up pair dancing together by the landmark joined hands of the Scottish town.
Sophie Lytollis, Head of Sales at Gretna Green, said: “Jean and Robert’s story shows that there is no age limit on love or new beginnings.
“Gretna Green has welcomed couples choosing to marry in their own way for generations, and it was a privilege to be part of their secret wedding.”
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