On June 2, 1953, Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms. In keeping with traditions established over the previous 900 years, the ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey in London. Queen Elizabeth II was only 27 years old when she assumed the role of Queen. Her father, George VI, had passed away at the age of 56 due to a heart condition, which left the then 25-year-old Elizabeth to succeed to the throne. When she was crowned, Queen Elizabeth II was formally recognized as the sovereign monarch and granted the full powers and responsibilities of the throne.

The coronation ceremony is a formal event during which a monarch is crowned, symbolizing the initiation of their reign. While the coronation is essentially a symbolic act, the official reign of a new monarch actually begins with the death of the previous one. Typically, the coronation ceremony takes place several months or even years after a monarch’s death. For instance, Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was held 14 months after her father’s death, allowing the nation adequate time to mourn.

Interesting Facts about the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II:

• The estimated cost of the ceremony was $1.5 million, and just over 8,000 guests were in attendance. 
• This was the first coronation to be televised in full. Over 27 million people worldwide tuned in to the event, many of whom purchased a television for the very first time to view the ceremony. 
• Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was the fourth and final coronation of the 20th century.
• After the coronation, the queen wore her coronation dress a total of 6 more times. 
• Queen Elizabeth II’s grandmother, Queen Mary, was the first grandmother to see a grandchild ascend the throne. Unfortunately, she died before the coronation ceremony could take place.  
• Prince Charles was the first child to witness his mother’s coronation ceremony at the age of 4.