Actor John Mills weds wife of 60 years

Sir John Mills: "A shining diamond"

LONDON, England -- Veteran British actor Sir John Mills has finally taken his wife Mary up the aisle -- 60 years after they married at the height of World War II.

The 92-year-old actor, who won an Oscar for "Ryan's Daughter," and his 89-year-old wife Mary, had originally married in a London registry office while he was on 48-hour leave from the British Army.

Mills, the stiff upper-lipped hero of a string of British films, finally fulfilled his wish to marry in church on Tuesday when they renewed their vows.

Even though they live just 30 metres from St Mary's Church in the Buckinghamshire village of Denham, they were driven there in style in a Rolls-Royce with the number plate 1JMM.

Among those deluging one of showbusiness' closest couples with telegrams was comedian Jim Davidson who asked "Do you think it will last?"

With a twinkle in his eye, Mills told BBC Television: "The first 60 years are the worst, so we're hoping to push on from here."

Britain's Queen Mother, who turned 100 last August, also sent her congratulations, telling them: "I offer you my warmest congratulations on your diamond wedding anniversary and I send you both my best wishes."

The couple's film star daughter, Hayley, joined her parents for the emotion-charged service.

Village vicar Adrian Hirst told 100 friends, family and well-wishers that the marriage was "a shining diamond."

"The marriage of Mary and John has indeed been shining for 60 years and we come and give our thanks today," he said.

Mills' manager John Novelli said: "I don't know a couple who are so devoted to each other. They are inseparable."

Mills said he made his second proposal to his wife at their home and the elderly couple then exchanged rings.

Outside the church, they were greeted by a barrage of flashbulbs from photographers who crowded forward to catch a shot of the devoted pair.

Asked what the secret of a happy marriage was, Mills replied without a moment's hesitation "Drink" to much laughter from the crowd.

They then went home for a champagne reception and the couple, still rock-solid in their love for each other, are now planning to take a much-delayed honeymoon in Gibraltar.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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