The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

1. The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

2. The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, who is the monarch of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon and Pakistan, took place on 2 June 1953. Queen Elizabeth, who was then known as Princess Elizabeth, ascended to the thrown only days after the death of her Father, George IV. However, the coronation was delayed for over a year, as it was seen that such a major event would be inappropriate as the royal family went into a state of mourning. At the coronation, thousands of people gathered outside the gates of Westminster Abbey as the soon to be crowned monarch arrives in a gold coach, ready to be crowned. Then, the arch bishop of Canterbury places the crown on her head and the newly crowned Queen abides by the “Laws and customs of all of her people.” Many people watched this event on Television in the flickering black and white images. This is event is remembered by lots of people around the world, not just by the people of Britain. In 2012, we remembered this day as it was 60 years of her ruling; we celebrated by putting up bunting and holding street parties. This day is annually celebrated and broadcast everywhere. Hopefully the Queen will have many more years to come.

3. Did you know? • Queen Elizabeth was just 25 when she accepted the role as Monarch of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon and Pakistan. • Since William the Conqueror ascended to the throne in the 11th century, every new Monarch of England has been crowned at Westminster Abbey, and so was Queen Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth was the 39th sovereign to take the oath there. Though only the sixth queen. • The Queen’s coronation dress was made by the Royal Family’s favourite Fashion Designer, Norman Hartwell. The dress was made of white satin, which feature traditional flowers on it, which included the English Tudor Rose, Scottish Thistle, Welsh Leek, Irish Shamrock, Canadian Maple Leaf, Australian Wattle, New Zealand Silver Fern and the South African Protea.