Norman and Katie Clapham have the Queen to thank for their life together.
The couple first locked eyes in the torrential rain as they waited on the street to catch a glimpse of the monarch during her 1954 visit to Lismore.
But Norman only had eyes for the sodden Kathleen.
He declared to a friend: "That's the girl I'm going to marry".
Queen Elizabeth II has held a special place in their hearts — and their household — ever since.
During this year's record-breaking floods, the Claphams lost everything in their Lismore home — except the royal portrait hanging high on their living room wall.
"That was the only picture that was not flood damaged," Mr Clapham said.
"The water got to the edge of the frame, that was the height that the water came to in the house, that was 6'8" [more than 2 metres] high.
"It was quite a feat for it not to get wet but, of course, the Queen should be above everything else. Nothing should be above her.
"Her picture was that high for a reason, and that reason is she was the head of our Commonwealth."
The Queen's visit to Lismore coincided with a major flood in the city, but that was not enough to deter the thousands of people who lined the streets to welcome the young royal couple.
Until this year's floods, photos of the Queen and her husband Prince Philip's visit were proudly displayed on the walls of the Gollan Hotel, the downtown pub where they stayed.
Five years ago, the Claphams were reminded of the day they met when they received the special honour of a letter from Her Majesty to mark their 60th wedding anniversary.
Mr Clapham said he and his wife were very sad to hear of the Queen's passing.
"I think everyone would be saddened. She was a fantastic person, a great personality, and just a great lady, no doubt about that."
