Photos show what Queen Elizabeth II's coronation was like 70 years ago

Sama Ansari PourMay 6, 2023, 14:02 IST

Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the late Prince Philip on her coronation day in 1953.Print Collector/Getty Images

On June 2, 1953, Elizabeth Windsor became Queen of the United Kingdom and other territories.
The ceremony was televised, with 27 million watching in the UK, and 85 million in the US.

70 years ago on June 2, 1953, Elizabeth Windsor, later known as Queen Elizabeth II, took the coronation oath promising to serve her people.

Queen Elizabeth II on her coronation day on June 2, 1953.Hulton Archive/Stringer/Getty Images

She ruled over the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth for 70 years, yet in the beginning, she was never expected to become queen.

The view inside Westminister Abbey during the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953.Popperfoto/Getty Images

For the first time, the coronation was broadcast globally by the BBC. 27 million people in the UK, out of a 36 million population at the time, watched the ceremony on television.

New Yorkers watching the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II through a store window in June 1953.Bettmann/Getty Images

For the first time, the coronation was broadcast globally by the BBC. 27 million people in the UK, out of a 36 million population at the time, watched the ceremony on television.

The day started with Queen Elizabeth setting off from Buckingham Palace at around 8 a.m., according to a witness account. Thousands of people were there to cheer her on.

Queen Elizabeth II in her coach on her way to Westminister Abbey for her coronation on June 2, 1953.Fox Photos/Stringer/Getty Images

The day started with Queen Elizabeth setting off from Buckingham Palace at around 8 a.m., according to a witness account. Thousands of people were there to cheer her on.

The coronation ceremony was split into six parts: the recognition, the oath, the anointing, the crowning, the enthronement, and the homage.

The closing stages of the Westminister Abbey service on June 2, 1953.Mirrorpix/Getty Images

As is coronation custom, she received the Sovereign's Orb, which was made in 1661. The jewel-studded cross mounted on the globe symbolizes the Christian world.

Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation ceremony on June 2, 1953.Hulton Archive/Stringer/Getty Images

After receiving the two scepters and orb, the Archbishop of Canterbury placed the St Edward's Crown on her head.

Queen Elizabeth II's portrait on her coronation day on June 2, 1953.Hulton Deutsch/Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth's coronation dress was symbolic. The dress, which was created by British fashion designer Sir Norman Hartnell, is embroidered with thousands of pearls, sequins, and crystals.

Queen Elizabeth II after her coronation on June 2, 1953.Bettmann

Queen Elizabeth's coronation dress was symbolic. The dress, which was created by British fashion designer Sir Norman Hartnell, is embroidered with thousands of pearls, sequins, and crystals.

There were many famous faces at the coronation, such as the Crown Princess of Norway, who was Queen Elizabeth's first cousin once removed, alongside Princess Astrid of Norway, her second cousin.

Queen Sarote of Tonga (left), Crown Prince Akihito of Japan, Princess Marta of Norway alongside Princess Astriad of Norway (right) on June 2, 1953.John Chillingworth/Stringer/Getty Images, PA Images/Getty Images, Mirrorpix/Getty Images

There were many famous faces at the coronation, such as the Crown Princess of Norway, who was Queen Elizabeth's first cousin once removed, alongside Princess Astrid of Norway, her second cousin.

After the service, Queen Elizabeth, alongside thousands of other participants, began the coronation procession through the rainy streets of London.

Queen Elizabeth II rode in the Gold State Coach during her Coronation procession on June 2, 1953.Bettmann

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Photos show what Queen Elizabeth II's coronation was like 70 years ago

70 years ago on June 2, 1953, Elizabeth Windsor, later known as Queen Elizabeth II, took the coronation oath promising to serve her people.

She ruled over the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth for 70 years, yet in the beginning, she was never expected to become queen.

For the first time, the coronation was broadcast globally by the BBC. 27 million people in the UK, out of a 36 million population at the time, watched the ceremony on television.

The day started with Queen Elizabeth setting off from Buckingham Palace at around 8 a.m., according to a witness account. Thousands of people were there to cheer her on.

The coronation ceremony was split into six parts: the recognition, the oath, the anointing, the crowning, the enthronement, and the homage.

As is coronation custom, she received the Sovereign's Orb, which was made in 1661. The jewel-studded cross mounted on the globe symbolizes the Christian world.

After receiving the two scepters and orb, the Archbishop of Canterbury placed the St Edward's Crown on her head.

Queen Elizabeth's coronation dress was symbolic. The dress, which was created by British fashion designer Sir Norman Hartnell, is embroidered with thousands of pearls, sequins, and crystals.

There were many famous faces at the coronation, such as the Crown Princess of Norway, who was Queen Elizabeth's first cousin once removed, alongside Princess Astrid of Norway, her second cousin.

After the service, Queen Elizabeth, alongside thousands of other participants, began the coronation procession through the rainy streets of London.