This Day In History

February 6th 1952: Elizabeth II becomes Queen

On this day 60 years ago in 1952, King George VI died and his daughter Elizabeth II became Queen. At the moment he died, the new Queen was in a treehouse at the Treetops Hotel in Kenya. When asked what name she would adopt as Queen she replied: “My own, of course”. She was coronated on 2nd June 1953, and it was the first coronation to be televised. She is one of the most popular British monarchs in history and so far, the second longest serving monarch (behind Queen Victoria). This year is her Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 60 years on the throne.