The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, broadcast live on 2 June 1953, was the event that did more than any other to make television a mainstream medium. More than 20 million people watched the Service on television, outnumbering the radio audience for the first time. The BBC knew the event would be popular – based on the reaction to the limited broadcast of George VI's Coronation Procession - but could not foresee that it would mark the coming of age of television, as well as the modernisation of the monarchy.
The Coronation brought the nation together, as 10.4 million people watched in the homes of friends and neighbours, and 1.5 million watched in public places like pubs and cinemas. The BBC coverage of the event included cameras installed inside Westminster Abbey for the first time, to show the Coronation Service. The Queen gave her permission for this departure, against official advice - revealing the monarchy's willingness to move with the times. Television commentary in the Abbey was provided by Richard Dimbleby, with 7 other commentators including Bernard Braden and Brian Johnston providing coverage along the processional route.
The BBC's Coronation coverage was broadcast around the world. In the United States 85 million people watched recordings of the highlights, while in Germany all 11 hours of coverage were transmitted. Reaction to the broadcasts was overwhelmingly positive. With competition from ITV only 3 years away, the BBC established an early lead as the trusted and reliable broadcaster of national events.
Further reading
- Television's Crowning MomentFrom the Story of BBC Television
- Two CoronationsDr Alban Webb explores the evolution of television between the 1936 coronation of King George VI and the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
- The Coronation and the BBCMatt Verrill reviews two BBC publications about the corporation's coverage of the Coronation in 1953.
- A timeline of Queen Elizabeth IIA timeline of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning monarch, from BBC Teach
June anniversaries
- Juke Box Jury1 June 1959
- The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II2 June 1953
- Mock the Week5 June 2005
- Real Lives 5 June 1984
- D-Day broadcasts6 June 1944
- Till Death Us Do Part 6 June 1966
- First broadcast of Crimewatch UK 7 June 1984
- Steptoe and Son 7 June 1962
- Driving School 10 June 1997
- The Basil Brush Show 14 June 1968
- Blackadder 15 June 1983
- Yesterday's Men 17 June 1971
- De Gaulle's first broadcast to France 18 June 1940
- Parkinson first broadcast 19 June 1971
- First female newsreader in vision 20 June 1960
- Last programme from Lime Grove Studios 20 June 1991
- Wimbledon first televised 21 June 1937
- Royal Family first transmitted 21 June 1969
- Music While You Work 23 June 1940
- Our World 25 June 1967
- Opening of Television Centre 29 June 1960