“Therefore I am sure that this, my Coronation, is not the symbol of a power and a splendour that are gone but a declaration of our hopes for the future, and for the years I may, by God’s Grace and Mercy, be given to reign and serve you as your Queen.”
Sixty years ago today, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her coronation and promised to serve the people of The Commonwealth in hear Coronation Day broadcast; I don’t even think she could have imagined the future that would unfold over the next six decades.
I am sure some of you are quite confused reading this, wondering “Didn’t we celebrate sixty years of The Queen last summer?” Wrong. And right. Although Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II on February 6, 1952 after the passing of her father, King George VI, she was not crowned until June 2, 1953.
Thus, eighteen months after she succeeded her father, Queen Elizabeth II took part in the historical, six part coronation service (Recognition, Oath, Anointing, Investiture, Homage at Communion) at Westminster Abbey. As the first coronation ceremony to be televised, an audience of 27 million in the UK and 85 million in the United States heard The Abbey bells ring out in jubilation as the crowds cheered “God Save The Queen!”
The Queen began her anniversary celebrations at the Epsom Derby yesterday alongside her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh and several members of her family including The Duke of York and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. This Tuesday, June 4th, Her Majesty will continue the celebration with a service of celebration at Westminster Abbey and it appears all of The Firm will be in attendance. Yes, that includes Prince Harry, who will also unveil a plaque outside The Abbey commemorating the royal wedding of his brother, Prince William and the then Kate Middleton.
So enjoy your street parties and picnics, Great Britain! Have a sausage roll and gin and tonic for me, my sickness and I will be celebrating by watching ‘The Queen’ on DVD and eating crumpets.
Keep Calm and Harry On 