Not only was it an historic moment for the then 27-year-old queen, it was also a groundbreaking event for broadcast television, as the first service to be televised, with 27 million people across the UK tuning in to watch. The coronation ceremony took place over almost three hours and followed a series of age-old traditions.
Divided into six parts – recognition, oath, anointing, investiture, enthronement and homage – it was an event rich with pageantry. Pictured here is the Queen’s husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, wearing his Duke’s robe over his naval uniform as he pays homage to his wife. For the crowning, the solid-gold St Edward’s Crown was placed atop her head.
The Queen’s coronation dress, designed by British fashion designer Norman Hartnell, was crafted from white satin and featured embroidered emblems of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. After the coronation, the Queen made her first speech as the newly crowned monarch.
“Throughout this memorable day I have been uplifted and sustained by the knowledge that your thoughts and prayers were with me,” she said.
“I have been aware all the time that my peoples, spread far and wide throughout every continent and ocean in the world, were united to support me in the task to which I have now been dedicated with such solemnity.”
Queen Elizabeth II served for 70 years before her passing on 8 September, 2022. She was 96 years old.
