London ( CNN ) -- John and Frances Canning did n't really expect Queen Elizabeth to come to their wedding , but when they learned she was going to be in Manchester , England , on the day of their nuptials , they sent an invitation on a whim . She showed up . Despite their shock , the groom had the presence of mind to bow , and the bride to curtsey as the monarch appeared and congratulated them , amateur video of the event showed . `` Basically it was a wedding gift for us , '' Frances Canning told CNN affiliate ITN . The queen 's husband Prince Philip also wished the couple well . Queen Elizabeth was in Manchester Friday on official duties that included visits to Central Manchester University Hospitals and a new BBC complex . She is making appearances around the country this spring as she celebrates her Diamond Jubilee , marking her 60 years on the throne .
Queen Elizabeth unexpectedly drops in on a wedding while she 's in Manchester . Comment: The bride calls the queen 's presence `` a wedding gift ''