Was the Queen’s Coronation the First to be Televised?
Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, a spectacle that unfolded on June 2, 1953, marked a pivotal moment in British history—it was the first royal coronation to be televised. This groundbreaking decision ushered in a new era of accessibility to the monarchy, allowing millions worldwide to witness the historic event. An estimated 27 million Britons and a staggering 85 million Americans tuned in to watch the BBC broadcast, joining a global audience captivated by the grandeur and tradition of the ceremony.
The Queen’s Decision and its Global Impact
The decision to televise the coronation wasn’t without its detractors. Some within the establishment felt that broadcasting such a sacred event would diminish its mystique. However, the young Queen Elizabeth II, at just 27 years old, recognized the transformative potential of television. She understood its power to connect with a wider audience and strengthen the bonds of the Commonwealth. As Professor Ariane Chernock of Boston University aptly points out, “Before 1953, dignitaries were the main participants in coronations. The global public was not aware of what went on other than in newspaper reports…It’s impossible to separate the media coverage from the event itself. It was a show of global power and optics.”
In a speech delivered on coronation day, Queen Elizabeth II acknowledged the significance of the broadcast: “Many thousands of you came to London…to join in the ceremony, but I have been conscious too of the millions of others who have shared in it by means of wireless or television in their homes.” This recognition of the global audience underscored the Queen’s forward-thinking approach and her understanding of the evolving media landscape.
A Media Spectacle and Symbol of Modernity
The coronation itself was a meticulously planned spectacle, designed to showcase both tradition and the modern age. Three million people lined the streets of London to catch a glimpse of the Queen and Prince Philip as they traveled to Westminster Abbey in the opulent Gold State Coach. Over 2,000 journalists and 500 photographers from 92 nations documented the event, transforming it into a global media sensation.
Inside Westminster Abbey, 8,251 guests witnessed the Archbishop of Canterbury crown Queen Elizabeth II with St. Edward’s Crown, a moment heavy with historical significance. Prince Charles, aged four, became the first child of a monarch to witness their parent’s coronation, further highlighting the event’s unique place in royal history.
A Coronation for the Television Age
Queen Elizabeth II’s decision to televise her coronation was a bold and insightful move. It allowed her to connect with her subjects in a way no previous monarch had, establishing a precedent for future royal events. This embrace of modern technology solidified the Queen’s image as a modern monarch, capable of adapting to a changing world. The televised coronation not only brought the monarchy closer to the people but also projected an image of British power and influence onto the global stage.
