The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953, was one of the biggest events of the 20th century. Millions of people around the world watched the ceremony on television, but there were many moments that went unnoticed. Here are 17 moments you missed from the coronation.
1. The Arrival of the Royal Guests
Before the coronation ceremony began, all the royal guests arrived at Westminster Abbey. There were 129 kings, queens, princes, and princesses from all over the world. The guests were welcomed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and taken to their seats in the Abbey.
2. The Procession of the Clergy
After the royal guests were seated, the procession of the clergy began. The Archbishop of Canterbury and other religious leaders walked down the aisle of the Abbey in their ceremonial robes. They were followed by the choir and the lay officials of the Abbey.
3. The Anointing
One of the most important moments of the coronation was the anointing of the Queen. The Archbishop of Canterbury poured holy oil on the Queen's head and hands, signifying her consecration to God.
4. The Crowning
After the anointing, the Queen was crowned with the St. Edward's Crown. This crown had been used in every coronation since 1661. The Queen wore the crown for the rest of the ceremony.
5. The Presentation of the Sword
As part of the ceremony, the Sword of State was presented to the Queen. This sword symbolizes the Queen's power and authority. The Queen then returned the sword to its scabbard as a sign of her peaceful intentions.
6. The Homage
After the crowning, all the royal guests came forward to pay homage to the Queen. They knelt before her and pledged their loyalty and service. The Queen then bestowed her blessing on them.
7. The Royal Procession
After the ceremony, the Queen and her family left Westminster Abbey in a grand procession. They traveled in a gold coach to Buckingham Palace, where the Queen appeared on the balcony to greet the crowd.
8. The Queen's Outfit
The Queen's outfit was a closely-guarded secret until the day of the coronation. Her dress was made of white satin and decorated with 10,000 pearls and crystals. She also wore a diamond tiara and a cape made of gold cloth.
9. The Royal Scepter
The Queen held the Royal Scepter during the coronation ceremony. This scepter is made of gold and encrusted with diamonds and other precious stones. It symbolizes the Queen's authority and power.
10. The Orb
The Queen also held the Orb during the ceremony. This golden globe is decorated with precious stones and represents the world. It symbolizes the Queen's role as a global leader.
11. The Choir
The choir played an important part in the coronation ceremony. They sang hymns and choral pieces throughout the ceremony. The choir was made up of 400 singers from all over the country.
12. The Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Geoffrey Fisher, was the one who anointed and crowned the Queen. He also led the ceremony and gave the sermon. He was an important figure in the Church of England and played a key role in the coronation.
13. The Royal Maundy
As part of the coronation celebrations, the Queen distributed Royal Maundy money to 160 elderly men and women. This tradition dates back to the 13th century and is a way for the monarch to show their charity and goodwill.
14. The Imperial State Crown
The Queen also wore the Imperial State Crown during part of the ceremony. This crown is decorated with thousands of diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. It is one of the most valuable and important pieces of the Crown Jewels.
15. The Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, played an important role in the coronation. He walked behind the Queen in the procession and sat beside her during the ceremony. He also helped to organize the event and was a key figure in the planning process.
16. The Carriage
The Queen and her family traveled from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach. This coach is over 250 years old and is decorated with gold leaf and painted panels. It is one of the most important and historic vehicles in the Royal Collection.
17. The Queen's Speech
After the coronation, the Queen made a speech to the nation. She spoke about her role as a symbol of the country's unity and her dedication to the welfare of her people. It was a powerful and inspiring speech that set the tone for her reign.
Related video of The 17 Moments You Missed from the Coronation
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