Quote from Elizabeth II, recalling that moment: “I remember feeling that I was suddenly the Queen, and that my whole life would change from that moment.”
The 6th of February 1952 marked a new chapter in the history of the British Monarchy. On this day in 1952, the then princess Elizabeth acceded to the throne, beginning a reign that would last 70 years, the longest of any English monarch, and her reign would come to represent stability
When news arrived, Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya with her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. They were partway through a tour of the Commonwealth that had already taken them across the world, including visiting Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Australia and New Zealand. The tour was intended to strengthen ties with the Commonwealth and move away from the idea of imperial rule. The 25 year old princess was staying at the Treetops Hotel near Mount Kenya, when she received the pivotal news that her father had died. Less than 24 hours after arriving in Kenya, she had become queen.
In the early hours of 6th of February, King George VI, Elizabeth’s father, died peacefully in his sleep at Sandringham after suffering a heart attack. Aged just 56, his poor health had been reduced by years of smoking, and the removal of his cancerous left lung. At dawn, a telegram was sent to his daughter, informing her that she was now queen.
The moment of her ascension came during a difficult period for Britain. The country was still recovering from the effects of the Second World War, struggling with large debts, continued rationing and the gradual loss of its empire. Many people looked to crown for a sense of direction and stability amidst the national rebuild.
Elizabeth’s accession was widely accepted and helped restore confidence in the monarchy after the Abdication Crisis of 1936, where Edward VIII gave up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson. As queen, Elizabeth came to represent modernity and a fresh start for Britain. This was clear in her coronation, which was the first to be televised. More than 27 million people watched as she was crowned, showing the strength of popular support.
The 6th of February is a significant day in Britain and across the Commonwealth. It marks the beginning of a reign that would become one of the longest and most respected in history. Today offers a moment to reflect on Queen Elizabeth’s extraordinary life and the lasting impact she had as both monarch and person.