Welcome Her Majesty Elizabeth II

Red text around a black and white photograph of Queen Elizabeth

Elizabeth II ascended to the throne of England and all other countries of the Commonwealth on February 6, 1952 following the death of her father King George VI. She received word of her ascension while on tour in Kenya with her husband Prince Philip. Her coronation was on June 2, 1953 in Westminster Abbey. She wore the Imperial State Crown which was originally made for Queen Victoria’s coronation in 1838. (This turned out to be highly ironic as Queen Elizabeth II has surpassed Queen Victoria as the longest reigning British monarch.) While the coronation was broadcast on the radio, per Queen Elizabeth II’s request, it was also the first to be televised. She and her husband Prince Albert have four children: Charles the Prince of Wales and heir apparent; Princess Anne; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.