Anniversary of late Queen’s accession as UK awaits coronation in three months
Elizabeth II became monarch on February 6 1952 after the death of her father.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The late Queen acceded to the throne 71 years ago, following the death of her father King George VI.
Monday is the anniversary of Elizabeth II’s accession on February 6 1952.
It also marks three months to go until her son and heir King Charles III has his coronation.
Westminster Abbey – the church where the late Queen was married, crowned and where her funeral was staged – commemorated the historic anniversary.
The abbey shared Ralph Heimans’ 2012 painting of the late monarch, which depicts her dressed in her Robe of State and standing in the centre of the church on the spot where she was crowned.
Accession Day is now September 8 – the day the late Queen died at Balmoral Castle and when the King began his reign.
The royal family’s official Twitter account shared a post on Monday from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport featuring a link to the Coronation website – coronation.gov.uk – and a reminder that the high profile event is taking place in three months’ time.
The May 6 ceremony – which is being held in the abbey – will be a deeply religious occasion, with both Charles and the Queen Consort being anointed and crowned.