The Queen's Coronation – 60 years ago

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Queen Elizabeth II leaving Buckingham Palace in the State Coach for Westminster Abbey. Credit: PA

The Queen was crowned on the 2nd of June 1953, 16 months after she ascended to the throne upon the death of her father King George IV. This followed a tradition in the United Kingdom that it is not deemed appropriate to celebrate the coronation of a new monarch until there has been a suitable period of mourning for the old one.

After a procession through London streets lined with approximately three million spectators, Elizabeth II was crowned at Westminster Abbey – at that time becoming Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon as well as Head of the Commonwealth.

Across the country and the world, millions celebrated with military processions, street parties and fireworks. The Queen swore an oath to govern the people’s of her various countries and territories in accordance with their laws and customs.

She has now been on the throne for more than sixty one years. Only Queen Victoria – with a reign lasting sixty three years and two hundred and sixteen days – has ruled longer.