A look back at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in photos
As the world mourns of the loss of Queen Elizabeth, who died at age 96 at her beloved Balmoral estate in Scotland, we revisit her unforgettable coronation day.
On June 2, 1953, the then 27-year-old’s life was forever changed. The ceremony and celebration officially began her 70-year reign, a record-setting time on the throne that would later make Queen Elizabeth Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
This story originally appeared on Vanity Fair.
By Fox Photos/Getty Images.
On what was a cold day for early June, crowds gathered in the streets — some huddled, some wrapped in blankets, some even primping their makeup — in hopes of getting a mere glimpse of Elizabeth II as she journeyed to her coronation. With her husband by her side and her children peering curiously from a window, they departed in the Gold State Coach, which had carried monarchs before her, pulled by eight grey gelding horses.
From AP/Shutterstock.As tradition dictates, the soon-to-be queen’s procession included the British household cavalry, who would act as guardians of her reign. Onlookers roared in excitement for their new and young queen, who was said to be the most fit to rule. Elizabeth II holds the title of the longest-reigning British monarch to this day.
From Topical Press Agency/Getty Images.Among those joining Elizabeth II at the annex of Westminster Abbey were Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother. The 16th Duke of Norfolk followed Her Majesty into the annex upon arrival. He was responsible for organising the coronation proceedings, which has been tradition since 1386.
From Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis/Getty Images.Six maids of honour carried Elizabeth II’s train as she walked through the church filled with an onlooking congregation chanting. She was accompanied by the sound of trumpets as she made her way to the Chair of Estate. She then walked to St. Edward’s chair as the Ceremony of Recognition ensued, and the Archbishop of Canterbury formally presented Elizabeth II to the people as their new queen.
From ITV/Shutterstock.The orb in the Queen’s left hand is the most important piece of regalia after the crown. Made in 1661, it boasts diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, pearls, and amethyst.
From Hulton Archive/Getty Images.Several Emblems of Majesty are presented to the Queen, each piece of regalia bearing a unique significance as she sits in St Edward’s chair for the Anointing Ceremony. Here, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster slips the glove onto Elizabeth’s right hand, symbolising gentleness in levy of taxes. For this ceremony she is dressed in a belted gown of pure gold over a loose linen-lawn garment called Colobium Sindonis.
From Keystone/Getty Images.The congregation rose as the Archbishop slowly placed St. Edward’s solid gold crown — which weighs four pounds and 12 ounces — upon Her Majesty’s head. The crowning is the most important part of the Queen’s coronation. Once in place, the congregation shouted in unison, “All hail the Queen!” three times before trumpets sounded.
From Hulton Archive/Getty Images.The Queen sits on St. Edward’s chair — which dates back to 1300 and has been used at every coronation since that time — crowned with the royal scepter with the cross in her right hand, representing the sovereign’s temporal power and good governance, and the royal scepter with the dove in her left, representing the Holy Ghost.
From Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis/Getty Images.Prince Charles watches as his mother is crowned Queen of the United Kingdom of England and Commonwealth, and becomes the first child to witness his mother’s coronation as sovereign. He was even formally invited with a specially hand-painted child’s invitation. Princess Anne was thought to be too young.
From Print Collector/Getty Images.Here the Queen is pictured with the orb of gold, signifying the dominion of the cross over the world; a new purple Robe of Estate, which took a total of 3,500 hours to complete; and the Imperial State Crown. All of them were endowed upon her in St. Edward’s Chapel after the celebration of Holy Communion. She then joined her procession once again to mark the ending of the coronation service.
From Hulton Archive/Getty Images.Upon returning to Buckingham Palace in the same Gold State Coach, now crowned Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom of England and the Commonwealth, the monarch and her family stepped out onto the balcony to wave to the admiring masses below marvelling at the sight of their new Queen on Coronation Day.
From Hulton Archive/Getty Images.As the Queen and her family waved to millions of people crowded in the streets below, 27 million people in the UK alone watched on television, proving to be a landmark moment in the history of the then new medium and marking a modernisation of the Royals.
The Queen even allowed the BBC to position cameras inside the Westminster Abbey against official advice, showing her willingness to modernise. Another 11 million people listened via radio.
From Mirrorpix/Getty Images.Nine processions walked before Her Majesty on the journey back to the palace, all marching in perfect precision including church leaders, Commonwealth prime ministers, members of the royal household, civil and military leaders, and the Yeoman of the Guard. The 7.2-kilometre route was designed for hyper visibility, and it lasted two hours.
From Universal History Archive/Shutterstock.The Queen’s couture white satin coronation dress by British fashion designer Norman Hartnell was embroidered with emblems of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in gold and silver thread. She wore it six times after the coronation for other major events.
From Keystone/Getty Images.Queen Elizabeth was the 39th sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey, where coronations have taken place since 1066. She was only the sixth queen.
From Shawshots/Alamy.Sir Cecil Beaton – the photographer behind the official coronation portraiture – was a pre-eminent fashion photographer and was called upon to capture many momentous occasions of the new Elizabethan era. He played a large role in molding public perception of the Royal Family, and was one of the 8,251 guests who attended the coronation ceremony.
