1953: Queen Elizabeth takes coronation oath [ON THIS DAY] »
Posted By gamahuche 6 months ago in Arts & EntertainmentOver 20 million people watched the BBC coverage of the coronation. Many people crowded round neighbour's sets to watch television for the first time. The broadcast was made in 44 languages. A day which many who were alive at the time still remember vividly. The Queen is the second-longest serving British Ruler, after Queen Victoria.
Read Full Story at news.bbc.co.uk »
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gamahuche
"I would rather be a square peg than fit in a pigeon hole"
was the set title of a school essay which won me the ...
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gamahuche6 months ago
For people who were in Britain at the time this was a day-of-days, regardless of political point-of-view, despite the appalling rainy weather, and all those who participated have some special individual memories of that day which was truly a bookmark of a moment in history.
In Britain it was also the day that the news arrived of the first successful ascent of Everest - by a representative of the Commonwealth. Edmund Hillary, later Sir Edmund, and Sherpa Tenzing of the marvellous smile.
This coincidence of timing - news from remote places travelled slowly in those days - added even more lustre to the day, as did the glorious Queen Salote of Tonga whose statuesque tropical beauty was resplendent in her open carriage, despite the pouring rain.
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gamahuche6 months ago
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/witness/june...
This is a follow-up page of diverse people's individual descriptions of what the day meant to them, and of how and why it became anchored in their memory. It also contains a picture in which the young queen looks absolutely gorgeous.
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blinkers6 months ago
Great story! One of the aspects of this memorable event was that it was the first really uplifting time for most of the long-suffering British public, following the death of their king, the Korean war, and the aftermath of the chaos of WW2, and ongoing austerity.
The fact that this gallant lady is still very much a reigning monarch, taking an active part in the ever-changing society around her, makes it all the more noteworthy.
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Spadecaller6 months ago
With all do respect my friend, g, I don't mind story books with queens, kings, princesses, and princes, but I have no use for living royalty in the world today. And if I were English, I would resent having my tax dollars used to support the royal family and all the pomp and indulgences that their lavish life styles demand.
Just the idea of human beings who allegedly have "Royal blood" makes my common red blood curdle.
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blinkers6 months ago
Well Spade, these are understandable sentiments, of course, but I think the British economy, or at least the tourism sector of it, is quite happy with "all the pomp and indulgences that their (the royals) lavish lifestyles demand".
And I'd guess that if a referendum were held among the islanders -- as to whether or not the country should become a republic -- there would be a resounding "No". Perhaps when/if her son becomes king, sentiments will change.
At least the British royals appear to earn their keep, but if I look at the royals here(Japan), it's another story altogether. But I'd better not get started on that........
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gamahuche6 months ago
>>>Perhaps when/if her son becomes king, sentiments will change.
This will be an interesting dilemna, when that time comes.
Possibly it will be finessed by skipping a generation - though the young princes will also need to pull their socks up in a major way and/or make extremely "good" marriages to look acceptable to the hoi polloi..
The ex-Lady Parker-Bowles doesn't cut the mustard, especially when many people still side with Princess Di over that split up - who was quoted, rather pathetically, as saying that there was not room for 3 on the marriage - casting herself as #3.
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gamahuche6 months ago
You may be a harder-core radical than me spade - and if it were adjudged that way I'd be the first to crown you with laurels!
The current situation of the "succession" is absolutely dire and I would be delighted to see the institution laid to rest.I'm not one who likes the idea of standing for a Royal Anthem - any more than I would ever be a hand-over-the-heart for the Star Spangled Banner. The Sex Pistols weren't my huge favourites - I preferred Ian Dury - but all this happened later..
So my story was not meant as any kind of humble fealty to these outmoded rites and rituals.
It was about an event which was one of the first to bring people together internationally, in real time, through modern media - and one that was unique at the time in bringing people all over the world close together.
O.K. Now I'll make it personal..
I was a refugee in 1948 from Communism and arrived in the UK .I quickly got my feet on the ground and became a brilliant student, won scholarships, etc.
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gamahuche6 months ago
There's one simple factor in the British way, however, which is that however long you're there you wil never be English. This became my radicalising energy and a lot of fun there was to be had with it. Including walking with many thousands of people for 4 days to protest nuclear weapons and suchlike. But that wasn't nearly radical enough for me and lots of direct action and involvement with some hair-raising episodes which still can't be revealed.
O.K. So why the heck do I - of all people - celebrate the Coronation!?
Simply because itprovided an opportunity for people to join together and NOT be involved in struggle and strife and opposition. It was also a day to which people look back - as I do now - to a time when things were no better, but definitely simpler.
The Coronation was the first time I had ever even SEEN a television, let alone watched one. [I learned in this way that I was short-sighted and have worn glasses ever since.]
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Spadecaller6 months ago
g,
I respect your right and anyone's right to honor the queen and the royal family of England; that is your choice. As I had prefaced my statement before, my comment was reflective of my views and I do not hold contention for you or anyone who differs with it.
For me, my personal beliefs regarding royalty does not stem from political dogma nor would I characterize them as radical. Personally, I cherish the conviction and belief that I am no greater or lesser than any other human being that walks this earth. As for me, wealth, class, ethnicity, race, or royalty does not distinguish one person's status over another. And, it is for that reason that I find the concept of royal blood lines objectionable. I had no intention of belittling your experience or anyone else's affection or reverence for the royal family or the coronation.
continued
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onlyonesecret6 months ago
My mistake, That all "their" politicians have sworn an oath to this foreign entity.
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HannibalBarca6 months ago
And there you are wrong Spade, for every tax dollar spent on the Queen, 10 are made up in tourism and spin offs.
She is an icon, a remembrance of past glories, she is also a symbol to a nation, tell me how many other elitist have military training, then examine the royal family.
Europe is not N America, and they view their 2000 years of history differently than we do, but just as strongly.
And look what the King of Denmark did in WW!!, by being the first Christian to put on the yellow ( I think) Star of David He rallied a nation to oppose Nazi's, as I said, an icon.
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jimdoze6 months ago
What really grabbed me on that page was "1966: First US space probe lands on Moon".
That landing was 21 years after the end of WWII, 13 years after the coronation, 5 years after Kennedy's challenge and 42 years ago. Three years later (39 years ago) we had men walking on the moon.
"If we are to win the battle that is now going on around the world between freedom and tyranny, the dramatic achievements in space which occurred in recent weeks should have made clear to us all, as did the Sputnik in 1957, the impact of this adventure on the minds of men everywhere, who are attempting to make a determination of which road they should take.
First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth."
John F. Kennedy 05/25/61
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canadianrancher576 months ago
Although the monarcy is not viewed as it used to be I still am a supporter of it. I'm not really sure how much the tax payers spend in Britian to support it because the Royal family has many holdings that return them alot of money. This next statement may not be looked apon with favor by my neighbours to the south but the reason I still like the idea of a Royal family has to do with government and law. IN your country you have and elected head of state being your president, which although being an American citizen at times is not truely connected to the people or the country but to a political party. Here in Canada the Royal Candian Mounted Police still swear allegiance to the Queen which sort of makes us feel that the laws they are upholding are laws with a bit of history involved and maybe a bit of fairness. Another point I would like to make has to do with the military service of the family members. they believe in their country and they serve. (continued)
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canadianrancher576 months ago
My little rant here could likely go on and on but at times it is nice to see politicians acknowledge that they are not only accountable to the voters but something higher and since God usually does not make public appearances the Royal family will have to do. They stand as a living testemant to the history of the country. As for Queen Elizabeth II, I think she's been a good Queen.
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gamahuche6 months ago
"This next statement may not be looked apon with favor by my neighbours to the south but the reason I still like the idea of a Royal family has to do with government and law. IN your country you have and elected head of state being your president, which although being an American citizen at times is not truely connected to the people or the country but to a political party."
This and your following comment more than touches on something that I've also been thinking about CR. I won't be able to respond in detail for a number of hours now though, but yes, I think its very important and the fact that Canada is still, of course, a member of the Commonwealth does have something to do with its considerable divergence in many crucial aspects from its much more populous neighbour to the south. [Wouldn't it be terrible if you were clones!]
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HannibalBarca6 months ago
Having the Queens image on our money means we are still Canadians, and only Americans because we live in N America
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AnteUp6 months ago
texangelwings ~
I too was a mere child - four and a half - at the time
of the Queen's coronation. We had friends who were British
and they were busily purchasing all things commemorative
of Elizabeth and the coronation - LOTS of Wedgewood,etc.
Personally Elizabeth pretty much leaves me cold. She may
be an effective symbol for her country but IMO she has
been more symbolic for being a cool,detached and demanding
parent.
On the other hand, the Queen Mother seemed to have much
more personality. Maybe it's a typically American
observation but I guess I'd prefer a monarch to engender
some affection, as well as respect for a duty well done.
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gamahuche6 months ago
Ante - the Queeen Mother was adored! She was also very much regular people in her behaviour and unpretentious.
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blinkers6 months ago
getreal1, your "Rock on, QE2" reminds me of a tale (maybe apocryphal) involving the old lady which took place at her Golden Jubilee, some years ago.
She had insisted on meeting the stars of a "People's Concert" which had taken place in the grounds of her Buckingham Palace. Upon being introduced to a Mr. Ozzy Osbourne, she asked, "And Mr. Osbourne, what do you do?" To which Ozzy's response was "Anyffing I can get me 'ands on, yer majesty" (laughter)
As I said, probably apocryphal, but what a great scene!
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Radiofreeeuropa6 months ago
It has always seemed to me Britain managed to find a niche psyche that honored it's traditions while not suffering from the political downside of those traditions. We Americans best not cast stones as our version of "royalty" does nothing whatsoever outside of their own personal gain. Interesting post G!
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not2needy6 months ago
It's a system that works for them. If we added up what we spend in insurance, co-pays, drugs, taxes, housing among other things, we would be better off to be taxed more and have everything else either be free or much cheaper priced.
We have people here in America who THINK they are royalty and give nothing back. I haven't really heard a lot of complaints from people i have talked to from Europe, but i have heard all of us from the U.S. complain.
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memestryker6 months ago
not2needy,
I have traveled extensively in the UK, and it's not the pretty picture you paint. They complain bitterly about quite a few things--the taxes are so high that they are very limited in ability to buy homes, and farms can't make it in many cases.
They've been disarmed, and now their disabled, elderly, and women are easy prey for home invading teens with no weapons but their bare hands or baseball bats, and the evil ones know it and it's becoming a major problem. I've met quite a few people who have emigrated to the U.S. in search of freedom.
The grass is greener syndrome is alive and well. I'd never choose the UK over the US although I genuinely love it and some of my ancestors are products of it.
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gamahuche6 months ago
Certainly England is a very different place than it was in the 60's and 70's which was really a very excellent and optimistic period; of course many would rightly say the same about the US.
I'm quite cut off from England now, with all my living relatives elsewhere.
Crime has definitely increased but "disarming" hasn't occurred - virtually no one had guns unless they were for hunting. I actually don't recall knowing anyone who had a gun.
There are also tensions between the Muslim and non-Muslim populations and there has been a recent flood of immigrants from Poland.
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ETproductions6 months ago
Many happy returns. As Queens go, she has served her country remarkably well and for a very long time, and shows no signs of slowing down now.
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