The Coronation

On the morning of 2 June 1953, 3 million people lined the streets between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey to witness the procession of the Gold State Coach. Millions more crowded around newly bought television sets to watch the investiture of Britain's youngest sovereign since Queen Victoria. For many, the Coronation represented the beginning of a new age. It was a time for optimism and innovation that the press termed 'the new Elizabethan era'.

  • The Coronation - Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

    Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh by Cecil Beaton, Gelatin silver print, 2 June 1953, Museum no. PH.1551-1987

    Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
    Cecil Beaton
    Gelatin silver print
    2 June 1953
    Museum no. PH.1551-1987

    The Coronation portraits were widely published and the Queen sent out numerous presentation prints as official gifts. Copies of this full-length portrait were given to the royal family and members of Prince Philip's family. The Queen's Coronation gown was designed by couturier Norman Hartnell and exquisitely embroidered with the floral emblems of the countries of the Commonwealth.

  • The Coronation - Princess Anne

    Princess Anne by Cecil Beaton, Gelatin silver print, 2 June 1953, Museum no. PH.324-1987

    Princess Anne
    Cecil Beaton
    Gelatin silver print
    2 June 1953
    Museum no. PH.324-1987

    The Queen's young children were full of energy throughout the afternoon. The serenity of the Queen Mother calmed the apprehensive photographer. 'All at once, and because of her, I was enjoying my work. Prince Charles and Princess Anne were buzzing about in the wildest excitement and would not keep still for a moment. The Queen Mother anchored them in her arms, put her head down to kiss Prince Charles' hair, and made a terrific picture.'

  • The Coronation - Queen Elizabeth II with her Maids of Honour

    Queen Elizabeth II with her Maids of Honour by Cecil Beaton, Gelatin silver print, 2 June 1953, Museum no. PH.1530-1987

    Queen Elizabeth II with her Maids of Honour
    Cecil Beaton
    Gelatin silver print
    2 June 1953
    Museum no. PH.1530-1987

    In selecting six Maids of Honour instead of pages to bear her velvet train throughout the Coronation ceremony, the Queen followed the precedent of Queen Victoria. From left to right, they were:
    Lady Moyra Hamilton (now Lady Moyra Campbell), Lady Anne Coke (now The Rt Hon The Lady Glenconner), Lady Rosemary Spencer-Churchill (now Lady Rosemary Muir), Lady Mary Baillie-Hamilton (now Lady Mary Russell), Lady Jane Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby (now The Rt Hon The Baroness Willoughby de Eresby), Lady Jane Vane-Tempest-Stewart (now The Rt Hon The Lady Rayne)

  • The Coronation - Queen Elizabeth II

    Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton, Gelatin silver print, 2 June 1953, Museum no. PH.1540-1987

    Queen Elizabeth II
    Cecil Beaton
    Gelatin silver print
    2 June 1953
    Museum no. PH.1540-1987

    This portrait echoes the centuries-old tradition of depicting rulers in profile on coins and medals. Dramatic lighting highlights the Queen's youthful features. The prime minister, Winston Churchill, voiced the feelings of many when he described her as a metaphorical guardian angel: 'The gleaming figure whom Providence has brought to us in times when the present is hard and the future veiled.'

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