Princess Elizabeth was with her husband on a safari holiday, staying at Treetops Hotel in Kenya, when her father died suddenly from a heart attack, on February 6, 1952.
She was literally up a tree enjoying the sight of an elephant and its calves when Prince Philip called her aside to break the terrible news. It was a huge shock and one which transformed her life overnight, but Elizabeth was reportedly calm and organised, apologising to her hosts that her stay would have to be cut short as she arranged to fly home immediately.
On February 11, 1952, George VI was transported in a long funeral procession to lie in state in London’s Westminster Hall and then, on February 15, the casket was taken to Westminster Abbey for a service and to St George’s Chapel, Windsor, for interment. At 2pm, the entire Commonwealth came to a halt with a two-minute silence, while in London, solemn, bereaved crowds bowed their heads, incredulous that they had lost their 56-year-old King so young.
“When the death of the King was announced to us, there struck a deep and solemn note in our lives which, as it resounded far and wide, stilled the clatter and traffic of twentieth-century life in many lands,” said Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the funeral of George VI, “The King was greatly loved by all his peoples … We thought of him as a young naval lieutenant … We thought of him when calmly, without ambition, or want of self-confidence, he assumed the heavy burden of the Crown and succeeded his brother whom he loved …All this we saw and admired. His conduct on the Throne may well be a model to constitutional sovereigns throughout the world and in future generations.”
Yet the business of monarchy needed to go on. The King was dead. Long live Queen Elizabeth II.
While she was certainly young, if any 25 year old could take on this challenge, it was the serious-minded Elizabeth. The coronation took place 16 months later, following an official year of mourning and, in her 1952 Christmas message, the new Queen prepared the nation.
“At my coronation next June, I shall dedicate myself anew to your service. I shall do so in the presence of a great congregation, drawn from every part of the Commonwealth and Empire, while millions outside Westminster Abbey will hear the promises and prayers being offered up within its walls, and see much of the ancient ceremony in which kings and queens before me have taken part through century upon century.”
“You will be keeping it as a holiday, but I want to ask you all, whatever your religion may be, to pray for me on that day – to pray that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you all the days of my life.”
On a rainy June 2, 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Weather aside, many slept out overnight along the route.
Following the solemnity of the King’s funeral, this was a chance for the British people to celebrate. The ceremony was broadcast live on radio and TV around the world.
The young Queen arrived at her coronation in a white satin Norman Hartnell gown, embroidered with English roses, Irish shamrocks, Scottish thistles and Welsh leeks.
Atop her head, she wore the Imperial State Crown made for her father in 1937 and reduced in height for his daughter’s coronation.
On her wrists were gold Armills, signifying security and wisdom, presented by the Commonwealth governments, including Australia and New Zealand.
Looking every inch the Queen she was to be, Elizabeth was delivered to Westminster Abbey a young Princess and emerged a Queen.
