On This Day… A King Crowned In Westminster Abbey

Written by: George Chittenden : 27 Jul 2019

It was on this day, 12th May back in 1937 when King George VI was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Alongside his wife Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon they became King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth and Emperor and Empress of India. What a mouthful hey? The coronation was originally planned for his brother Edward, but Edward chose love and abdicated so he could marry American socialite Wallis Simpson. George VI ascended the throne on December 11th, 1936. He decided to continue with the coronation on the same date that had been planned for his brother.

The coronation was a huge affair and thousands of people lined the streets of London including 32,000 soldiers and 20,000 police officers. The coronation was commemorated by the issuing of official medals, coinage, and stamps. The nation took to the streets and celebrated with parties. Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon is of course better known as "Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother", as her eldest daughter is Queen Elizabeth, the current Queen of England.

Are you already curious to discover what happened tomorrow? Have a great day.

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