The King has been dead for 60 years

EXACTLY 60 years ago this week, King George VI died and his daughter, Princess Elizabeth, instantly became Queen.

The Queen came to the throne on 6 February 1952, although her coronation – or crowning – didn’t take place until 2 June 1953.

This year there will be Diamond Jubilee celebrations, marking the Queen’s 60 years on the throne, both in Britain and overseas, especially over the Diamond Jubilee central weekend (2–5 June).

But how did Princess Elizabeth become Queen?

After her marriage in 1947, Princess Elizabeth began to make visits abroad with her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh.

This way of life didn’t last long, because her father, King George VI, wasn’t well. In 1952, his illness forced him to abandon his planned visit to Australia and New Zealand. Princess Elizabeth took his place.

On Wednesday 6 February 1952, Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya when she received the news of her father’s death. It meant she had immediately ascended the throne to become Queen – leading to the phrase: “The King is dead. Long live the Queen.”

The tour had to be abandoned, and the young Princess flew back to Britain as Queen. She was greeted by Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the airport. The Queen’s coronation took place in Westminster Abbey, but not until 2 June 1953.

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