Look Back at All the Photos from Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation
The late monarch's crowning in 1953 marked the official start to her historic 70-year reign.
In 1953 Queen Elizabeth II was recognized as the monarch of the United Kingdom, and seven decades later, became the longest-reigning British monarch in royal history, until her passing in 2022.
On February 6, 1952, King George VI—father of then-Princess Elizabeth—passed away, consequently prompting Her Majesty's immediate rise to the throne. On June 2 of the following year, at just 27 years old, the young new monarch became formally crowned as queen of the United Kingdom during a lavish three-hour procession held at Westminster Abbey, marking the official start to her 70-year reign.
In a broadcast on that historic evening in 1953, the freshly anointed queen famously vowed to the public, "I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust."
Here's a fascinating look back at photos from the late Queen Elizabeth's extravagant coronation.
Before the ceremony, at Buckingham Palace (June 2, 1953)
The new monarch poses for a portrait in the Green Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace alongside her six maids of honor—Lady Mary Russell, Lady Rayne, Baroness Willoughby de Eresby, Lady Glenconner, Lady Rosemary Muir, and Lady Moyra Campbell—who are set to hold her velvet train throughout her upcoming procession held at the royals' longstanding coronation venue, Westminster Abbey.
Before the ceremony, at Buckingham Palace (June 2, 1953)
Queen Elizabeth II is assisted with her velvet train while leaving Buckingham Palace ahead of the service at Westminster Abbey.
Procession passing at Trafalgar Square (June 2, 1953)
An estimated 3 million observers gather around Trafalgar Square to honor Her Majesty throughout her procession passing, where she travels by Gold State Coach from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Procession passing at Trafalgar Square (June 2, 1953)
Elizabeth II and husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh aboard the Gold State Coach en route to Westminster Abbey for the coronation procession.
Procession passing at Trafalgar Square (June 2, 1953)
The Gold State Coach passes through Trafalgar Square, where a crowd of millions gathers to honor the queen.
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey (June 2, 1953)
Queen Elizabeth II, in her coronation regalia, and the Duke of Edinburgh, in his full Navy uniform, arrive out of the Gold State Coach for the start of the procession at Westminster Abbey.
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey (June 2, 1953)
The queen makes her entrance at Westminster Abbey alongside her six maids of honor, who carry her long velvet train.
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey (June 2, 1953)
Queen Elizabeth II sits beside Prince Philip at the commencement of the procession.
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey (June 2, 1953)
The monarch is bestowed the St. Edward's Crown by the archbishop of Canterbury. Henceforth, Queen Elizabeth II—Westminster Abbey's thirty-ninth Sovereign—is officially anointed the head of commonwealth, and queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon, and Pakistan.
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey (June 2, 1953)
The new queen sits on her throne wearing St. Edward's crown, and carries two sceptres: Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, representing the monarch's power and governance; and Sovereign's Sceptre with Dove, representing the monarch's spiritual role as head of the Church of England.
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey (June 2, 1953)
Archbishops pay homage and swear allegiance to the queen following the crowning ceremony.
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey (June 2, 1953)
Her Majesty receives a kiss from the Duke of Edinburgh, who wears a coronet and robe over his uniform, following the ceremonial crowning.
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey (June 2, 1953)
The queen wears the Imperial State Crown and carries her sceptre and orb.
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey (June 2, 1953)
The queen walks alongside her maids of honor toward Abbey's West Door at the close of the procession.
Post-coronation at Trafalgar Square (June 2, 1953)
The Gold State Coach passes back through Trafalgar Square in a return to Buckingham Palace following the queen's coronation procession at Westminster Abbey.
Post-coronation at Trafalgar Square (June 2, 1953)
The newly-crowned queen smiles through the window of the Gold State Coach during her return to Buckingham Palace.
Post-coronation at Buckingham Palace (June 2, 1953)
The newly-crowned queen waves at the crowd from her Buckingham Palace balcony alongside her maids of honor.
Post-coronation at Buckingham Palace (June 2, 1953)
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh give coronation waves to the crowd.
Post-coronation at Buckingham Palace (June 2, 1953)
Her Majesty waves to the crowd from the balcony at Buckingham Palace alongside the Duke of Edinburgh and the pair's two children: four-year-old Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and two-year-old Anne, Princess Royal.
Post-coronation at Buckingham Palace (June 2, 1953)
The newly-crowned queen poses for a portrait in the Throne Room in her coronation regalia alongside members of both her immediate and extended royal family—including Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret.
Sabrina Park is a Digital Fellow at HarpersBAZAAR.com where she covers news, fashion, and culture stories. When she’s not writing she loves hanging out with her cat, reading outdoors and scrolling the depths of TikTok.
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