Britain's longest-married couple reunited for 80th wedding anniversary

‘They hold hands every day now because of the memory of being separated in the war,’ says daughter-in-law

The devoted couple got married two years before World War II (Shutterstock)

Britain’s longest married couple, who still hold hands every day, have been reunited so they could celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary.

Ken Harris, who is the ripe old age of 102, enjoyed his anniversary with Margaret, 99, after the couple were separated for the first time since the Second World War.

The devoted duo, who got married two years before the War, feared they would not only potentially miss their anniversary after Mr Harris was taken to hospital with a broken hip but maybe never see each other again.

But fortunately, the pair have been reunited at a nursing home in Llangynidr, near Crickhowell, in Wales.

The couple, who are from Llanhilleth and have two children, lived deeply intertwined lives until Mr Harris was deployed to Burma in the Second World War.

While they spent every single day together since his return, this changed after Ms Harris was diagnosed with dementia and forced to move into a care home.

Just weeks before their anniversary, Mr Harris was taken to hospital after breaking his hip, making him fearful he would never see his cherished wife again.

Nevertheless, the two peas in a pod have now been gleefully reunited, with Mr Harris being given a room in the same care home as his wife in the Brecon Beacons after he spent a month in hospital.

Their daughter-in-law, Pat Harris, who is 75, told the BBC: “They hold hands every day now because of the memory of being separated in the war.”

She added: “Ken went to war and Margaret stayed home working as a doctor’s secretary but he always had her photo in his wallet.”

“When Ken went into hospital he didn’t think he would ever see her again. It is so fortunate that a room became available at Margaret’s home. It has been a real battle trying to keep them together. Ken gave his life for his country and he deserves to be able to be with his wife.

“They are a very loving couple and we are so proud to have celebrated their 80th anniversary with them.”