Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation: See Photos From The Day She Was Crowned In 1953

By:

Elissa Anderson, James Crowley

May 2, 2023 1:14PM EDT

With King Charles’ coronation approaching, look back on his mother Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in June 1953 with photos from the historic day.

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Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation

Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation — The United Kingdom is preparing for its first coronation in nearly 70 years. King Charles III will undergo his formal coronation on Saturday, May 6, about eight months after his mother Queen Elizabeth II died in September. The Queen had her coronation on June 2, 1953, after ascending to the throne, following the death of her father King George VI in February 1952. The crowning took place at Westminster Abbey in London. Following the service, a large celebration of Queen Elizabeth took place.

Elizabeth’s coronation marked the beginning of the longest-reigning monarch in the history of England. She celebrated the 70th anniversary of her reign with a Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, months before she died at 96.

The ceremony took 14 months of planning, and Elizabeth’s husband Prince Philip oversaw the arrangements. It was one of the first major world events to be broadcast on TV internationally.

Scroll through our gallery to see photos from Queen Elizabeth’s historic coronation.

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Queen Elizabeth On The Balcony At Buckingham Palace

Queen Elizabeth On The Balcony At Buckingham Palace — Queen Elizabeth II was joined by members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, after she was crowned in the ceremony. She wore the Imperial State Crown while looking out over the citizens who came to see her.

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Queen Elizabeth II Arrives For Her Ceremony

Queen Elizabeth II Arrives For Her Ceremony — Queen Elizabeth arrives at Westminster Abbey with her maids of honor for the coronation ceremony. She arrived in a Golden State Coach at the church.

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Queen Elizabeth II Is Crowned At Westminster Abbey

Queen Elizabeth II Is Crowned At Westminster Abbey — Queen Elizabeth II is seated on the throne during her coronation at the historic Westminster Abbey. She wore St. Edward’s Crown during the church service during her coronation.

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Queen Elizabeth Rides In The Stagecoach Following Her Coronation

Queen Elizabeth Rides In The Stagecoach Following Her Coronation — Queen Elizabeth is seen in the back of her golden stagecoach, as onlookers try to catch a glimpse for her coronation. While countless people watched around the globe, it was estimated that there were over 8,000 guests at the coronation celebration.

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Queen Elizabeth Smiles With Prince Philip, Prince Charles, & Princess Anne

Queen Elizabeth Smiles With Prince Philip, Prince Charles, & Princess Anne — Queen Elizabeth smiled as she stood alongside her family during the coronation ceremony. Her children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, stood between her and her husband Prince Philip. Elizabeth had her two younger sons Prince Andrew in 1960 and Prince Edward in 1964.

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Queen Elizabeth Stands With The Royal Family

Queen Elizabeth Stands With The Royal Family — After being crowned, Queen Elizabeth posed for a photo with other members of the Royal family in Buckingham Palace. She sported a beautiful white gown for the ceremony.

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Queen Elizabeth Smiles At Her Coronation

Queen Elizabeth Smiles At Her Coronation — Queen Elizabeth II is seen holding the Orb and Sceptre after being crowned. She wore St. Edward’s crown in the photo while holding the royal relics.

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Queen Elizabeth Sits In Front Of The Royal Box

Queen Elizabeth Sits In Front Of The Royal Box — Queen Elizabeth II sits in the Chair of State with the royal box behind her. Her mom, the Queen Mother and sister Princess Margaret could be seen seated behind her.

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Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey — An overhead shot of the Westminister Abbey is seen during the church ceremony for the coronation ceremony. Queen Elizabeth was seated while bishops and priests are there to perform the ceremony.

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Queen Elizabeth II Is Taken Through Trafalgar Square

Queen Elizabeth II Is Taken Through Trafalgar Square — Queen Elizabeth is seen seated in the back of the carriage during her coronation day. Throngs of people gathered to try to see the Queen as she ascended to the throne.

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Queen Elizabeth II Enters Westminster Abbey

Queen Elizabeth II Enters Westminster Abbey — Queen Elizabeth walks through Westminster Abbey with the Bishops of Bath and Wells at the church. The throne was seen at the center of the alter.

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Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation

Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation — A view from the crowd during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. She was transported in a horse-drawn carriage.

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Queen Elizabeth II Leaves Westminster Abbey

Queen Elizabeth II Leaves Westminster Abbey — Queen Elizabeth II makes her exit from Westminster Abbey after the church service ended. She was accompanied by the priests who performed the ceremony and her maids of honor.

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Queen Elizabeth II Poses With Her Attendants

Queen Elizabeth II Poses With Her Attendants — Queen Elizabeth II smiled as she posed alongside her attendants in matching dresses. Her attendants were Lady Moyra Hamilton, Lady Rosemary Spencer Churchill, Lady Anne Coke, Lady Jane Heathcote Drummond Willoughby, Lady Jane Vane Tempest Stewart, and Lady Mary Baillie Hamilton.

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