Queen Elizabeth, who last year celebrated the diamond jubilee of her ascent to the throne, marked the 60th anniversary of her coronation Sunday.
Although Elizabeth became queen upon the death of her father, King George VI, in February 1952, her formal coronation didn’t take place until 16 months later to allow for a mourning period as well as time to plan for a formal ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
The event was the first televised coronation in British history and provided the nation, along with most of the world, a rare peek into royal life. It also set the tone for Elizabeth’s reign as queen.
Though the actual coronation anniversary falls on Sunday, June 2, the 87-year-old monarch will commemorate the day on Tuesday with a celebratory service at Westminster Abbey.
More than 2,000 guests are expected to attend, including her grandson, Prince William, and his pregnant wife, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.
The coronation celebration will culminate in a four-day festival from July 11-14 that coincides with Kate's due date.
The new royal baby will be the third in line to the throne, behind the child’s father and grandfather, Prince Charles.
