February 6, 1952: While on vacation in Kenya, Princess Elizabeth, just 25, learned of the death of her father, King George VI. She rushed back to Britain and took on the responsibility that now rested on the heir to the throne. A year later, on June 2, 1953, Elizabeth II was finally crowned Queen in London’s Westminster Abbey. It was the first time such a ceremony was televised live, with an estimated 277 million viewers worldwide tuning in. February 6, 2022 is the official platinum anniversary of her reign. “To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four-day long weekend from June 2-5,” the palace said in a statement marking the anniversary.
Queen Elizabeth II: The most important moments of her life
