- King Charles will have his Coronation in May 2023
- The last Coronation was Queen Elizabeth II in 1953
- Learn facts about the Queen's Coronation here
With the Coronation of King Charles III drawing nearer and nearer, the first anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II approaches at the same time.
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth had several unique and interesting aspects. Here we'll tell you 10 of the best facts about her Coronation.
Watch the video above for pictures too!
Interesting facts revealed about the Queen's Coronation
1. Westminster Abbey has been the location for all Coronations since 1066. Before the Abbey was built, Coronations were held wherever was most convenient.
2. The Queen ascended the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, after the death of her father, King George VI.
She was in Kenya when it happened, making her the first monarch in more than 200 years to ascend while abroad.
3. The Queen's grandmother, Queen Mary, was the first grandmother to see a grandchild ascend the throne. Although she passed away before witnessing the Coronation.
4. Then-Prince Charles was the first child to witness his mother's Coronation as monarch. Princess Anne (also the Queen's daughter) was unable to attend.
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5. 129 nations and territories were present and represented at the Coronation service.
6. The Crown of State, which was worn by the Queen during her return to Buckingham Palace, contained four pearls believed to have belonged to Queen Elizabeth I.
7. Nearly 30,000 men participated in the event: 3,600 from the Royal Navy, 16,100 from the Army, 7,000 from the Air Force, 2,000 from the Commonwealth, and 500 from the "colonies."
In addition there were 6,700 others in reserve, 1,000 local officers, and 7,000 from other providences assisted the metropolitan police.
8. The traditional Coronation ring, known as "The Wedding Ring of England," was placed on the Queen's ring finger.
The ring was made for the Coronation of King William IV in 1831. The only monarch to not wear it since was Queen Victoria because her hands were too small.
9. On her way to her Coronation, the Queen wore King George IV's State Diadem. The tiara, made in 1820, contains roses, clovers, and thistles with 1,333 diamonds and 169 pearls.
10. During the Coronation, the monarch is sprayed with a special oil made of orange, rose, cinnamon, musk, and ambergris.
Though there is usually oil to last for generations, the bombings of 1941 had destroyed its storage area, so fresh oil had to be made for the new Queen.
See photos and more in the video above!
