The 60th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation

“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.

Congratulations to Her Majesty – 60 Years on the Throne

I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.
– Queen Elizabeth II

It was February 6, 1952 and a young lady of just 25 learned the sad news of her father’s passing. That young woman was not just anyone.. and her father? Well, he was not just your average Joe either. While at a Royal hunting lodge in Kenya, Princess Elizabeth quickly became Queen Elizabeth II after learning of her father’s passing; King George VI was a mere 56-years-old at the time. Now, 60 years later, Queen Elizabeth II is the second-longest reigning British monarch in more than 1,000 years. Today, not just the United Kingdom but the whole world celebrates The Queen, her dedication to her country, her family and her admirers across the globe.

On this day in 1952..

The BBC reports the death of the King George VI and Princess Elizabeth’s immediate transformation to Queen – 1952: King George VI dies in his sleep

On this side of the pond, The New York Times – one of America’s most prestigious newspapers – King George VI Dies in Sleep at Sandringham; Elizabeth, QUeen at 25, Flying from Africa; President Among World Leaders in Tribute

More on the occasion.. 

For full details on the accession and coronation, be sure to visit The official web site of The British Monarchy for outstanding videos and information.

For an outstanding gallery of official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, please check out Royal Insight’s dedicated post: Royal Portraits: Queen Elizabeth II