The Archbishop of Canterbury prepares to place St. Edward’s Crown on the Queen, who is seated in St Edward’s Chair. (Image: PA/PA Archive/Press Association Images)
QUEEN ELIZABETH II marks the 60th anniversary of her coronation today, starting a series of events including a return to Westminster Abbey where she was crowned as a 27-year-old.
Elizabeth, now 87, took the throne on February 6, 1952 upon the death of her father King George VI, but to allow for a period of national mourning, she was only crowned 16 months later.
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. (Image: Tophams/Topham Picturepoint/Press Association Images)
A service celebrating the anniversary is being held on Tuesday in the abbey in London where, on a rainy summer’s day in 1953, she was anointed and the imperial state crown was placed on her head.
The coronation anniversary is being staged with far less fanfare than the diamond jubilee celebrations last year.
Part of the parade of Commonwealth troops pass under Marble Arch, London, June 2, 1953, on the processional drive from Westminster Abbey, following the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo)
Royal thoughts are now turning to the birth expected in July of Prince William and Catherine’s baby, whom, following a change in the rules of succession, will be third in line to the throne regardless of gender.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, William and Catherine’s child will eventually be crowned in Westminster Abbey.
The Duchess of Kent, accompanied by her daughter, Princess Alexandra, driving from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. (Image: PA)
Additional reporting © AFP, 2013
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