On June 2, 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned queen of England.
On this momentous occasion, Elizabeth underwent the same ceremonial processes as many of her ancestors.
There were already some people in the stands" (via Royal Collection Trust).
Years later, at her own coronation, history was bound to repeat itself.
After all, public interest in the monarchy remained sky-high.
A wealthier crew paid a hundred pounds for balcony seats with a bird’s-eye view.
In their totality, the crown jewels consist of over one hundred items.
Interestingly, the armills are supposed to represent the military values of sincerity and wisdom.
She also sat in a normal prayer seat, located far from the center stage.
When Queen Elizabeth curtsied
Queen Elizabeth II was not known for curtsying to anyone.
In 1997, she was photographed lowering her head at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.
In response, the people from each side of the abbey replied, “God save Queen Elizabeth.”
To this reply, the BBC footage reveals, Elizabeth responded with a rare curtsy (viaYouTube).
At Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, this was evident in the vows she took.
Elizabeth went on to swear that her judgments would “cause law and justice, in mercy.”
To these questions, Elizabeth solemnly replied, “All this I promise to do.”
The same article went on to report, “The queen doesn’t need this sort of reminder.”
Indeed, throughout Elizabeth’s coronation, the queen seemed to take her religious role seriously.
So help me God" (viaYouTube).
The new queen then proceeded to kiss the Bible as a show of good faith and signed her oath.
She also shed her jewels and her tiara.
Next, the queen was given a simple white ceremonial garment, known as the Colobium Sindonis.
It was wearing this humble attire that Elizabeth was anointed at the hands of the archbishop.
According to the BBC broadcast of the event, “The queen offers the sword upon the altar.
She gives it in the service of God” (viaYouTube).
Her faithful men, though, do not allow the jeweled sword to sit on the altar forever.
This unique garment is only worn when the monarch receives the crown for the first time.
Embroidered with silver eagles, this robe carries deep symbolism for the future king or queen.
It is said to be a reminder of the holy responsibilities involved in wearing the crown.
The moment when Elizabeth wore this robe for the first time was absolutely spectacular.
However, she was not expected to put it on herself.
The Lord Great Chamberlain will fasten the cusps" (viaYouTube).
The Robe Royal had been in use since King George IV took the throne in 1821.
The monarch also wore symbolic jewelry, including the Sovereign’s Ring.
Through the center of the ring run baguette-cut rubies that resemble a cross.
The cross is meant to call to mind the cross of St. George a symbol of England.
Given the symbolism of the object, however, this reaction was to be expected.
As shown by the BBC recordings of Elizabeth’s coronation, this moment was spectacular (viaYouTube).
Carefully, he lowered the crown onto her forehead.
In the spirit of the crown’s history, Elizabeth showed no emotion during this important moment.
Indeed, British monarchs only wear this piece of regalia on their coronation day.
The moment that she sat down was extremely memorable.
However, he was allowed to play a significant role in his wife’s coronation.
So help me God" (via Oremus).
He then proceeded to give Elizabeth a gentle kiss on the cheek.
In the BBC special, we can see Charles sitting beside his maternal grandmother (viaYouTube).
According to this royal insider, the future king was very curious about everything he saw.
Tennant explained, Charles “was [seated] just above me.
He was brought in for the crowning.
We were standing below him, and he was up there with Queen Elizabeth, the queen mother.
I could hear him talking, asking her what was what.”
