TWO tickets brought out of his hat for a concert at the Albert Hall - and that was the start of Lord and Lady Kingsdown's courtship which resulted in them celebrating their Golden Wedding on Tuesday.

Speaking on the day of the anniversary at their home at Torry Hill at Frinsted, near Sittingbourne, they fondly remembered his noble gesture which she gratefully accepted.

It took place at a cocktail party in her London flat when she was working as a secretary for the former Rootes car group and he was reading to become a barrister. He was 26 at the time and she was 20.

They became engaged in March 1953 and were married on July 8 of the same year at St Peter's Church, Eaton Square, London.

The couple lived in London after they married and moved in 1958 to his family home at Torry Hill where they have lived ever since.

Of marriage, Lord Kingsdown, said: "You have to be patient, understanding. I have been grateful for good fortune in terms of health, children and material circumstances."

On the happy day Lord Kingsdown also recalled his late son, Thomas, who was killed 10 years ago in a car crash in Zimbabwe. "He is part of our day too," he stressed.

The couple have four other sons, John, James, Edward and William, as well as nine grandchildren aged between eight and 17.

About 300 friends sat down to lunch in a large marquee in the lawn on the big day and a party was also held in the evening for local people connected to the estate.

Frinsted parishioners presented the couple with an antique carriage clock and a statue was given to them from others on the estate.

Lady Kingsdown said: "We have been touched by the response from a large number of friends and my secret to 50 years of married life is all to do with the home and family because I have been devoted to both.

"My husband gave me a wonderful ring to mark the occasion and I am getting a peony flower bed."

Lord Kingsdown was Lord Lieutenant of Kent from 1982-2002 and governor of the Bank of England from 1983-93.