Britain's Queen Elizabeth II — with her husband, Philip — travels to her coronation ceremony in London on June 2, 1953. She ascended to the throne a year earlier, when her father died of lung cancer in February 1952. She was 25 at the time.
In pictures: The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II — with her husband, Philip — travels to her coronation ceremony in London on June 2, 1953. She ascended to the throne a year earlier, when her father died of lung cancer in February 1952. She was 25 at the time.
Norman Potter/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images

Published 11:58 AM EDT, Wed April 26, 2023

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in February 1952, but her coronation ceremony was held more than a year later.

The traditional wait allows time to mourn the previous sovereign — and to plan the ceremony.

The Queen died in September at the age of 96. The coronation of her son King Charles III will take place on Saturday, May 6.

People slept along the procession route on the night before the Queen's coronation.
People slept along the procession route on the night before the Queen's coronation.
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Crowds watch as the procession passes through Parliament Square in London.
Crowds watch as the procession passes through Parliament Square in London.
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The Queen's son Prince Charles, accompanied by a nurse, arrives at Westminster Abbey.
The Queen's son Prince Charles, accompanied by a nurse, arrives at Westminster Abbey.
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Well-wishers line the procession route in London.
Well-wishers line the procession route in London.
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The Queen arrives at Westminster Abbey with her six maids of honor.
The Queen arrives at Westminster Abbey with her six maids of honor.
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Prince Charles watches his mother's coronation. On the left is his grandmother, the Queen Mother. At right is his aunt, Princess Margaret.
Prince Charles watches his mother's coronation. On the left is his grandmother, the Queen Mother. At right is his aunt, Princess Margaret.
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Children race at a coronation party in London's East End.
Children race at a coronation party in London's East End.
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The Queen holds her symbols of office after the ceremony.
The Queen holds her symbols of office after the ceremony.
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The Queen's carriage passes by the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.
The Queen's carriage passes by the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.
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The Queen and Prince Philip wave to crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation.
The Queen and Prince Philip wave to crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation.
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A crowd outside Buckingham Palace cheers for the royal family.
A crowd outside Buckingham Palace cheers for the royal family.
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Londoners hold a street party to celebrate the coronation.
Londoners hold a street party to celebrate the coronation.
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Members of the royal family pose for a photo in the throne room of Buckingham Palace.
Members of the royal family pose for a photo in the throne room of Buckingham Palace.
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People celebrate the coronation from the Mall, which was specially lit for the occasion.
People celebrate the coronation from the Mall, which was specially lit for the occasion.
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People dance at a street coronation party.
People dance at a street coronation party.
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The Queen after her coronation.
The Queen after her coronation.
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