Joyce Neville
On June 2nd 1953 my son was nearly three weeks old and we were living with my parents in Headington, Oxford
The day started wet and didn’t improve much.
Dad had bought a small television set especially for the day and many of our neighbours came in to see our Queen crowned. They brought sandwiches and snacks which were shared by all. We were very cramped as it was only a small room, but we were in a festive mood so no one was complaining.
The television cameras had been filming since early morning and we saw the routs lined with happy people, some oof whom had waited all night to get a ringside seat.
Our new Queen left Buckingham Palace in her coach and everywhere there was cheering and flags were waving. As she entered the Abbey she was greeted by clergy and everything was hushed. It was a long service but the music and anthems were beautiful. When she had been crowned and was holding the orb and sceptre she looked so tiny, but so regal. The Lords came one by one and vowed their allegiance to her.
When the service ended she proceeded down the long aisle and left again for the palace, followed by all the dignitaries. It was till raining and apart from royalty and one or two politicians the person I remember most of all was Queen Salotti of Tonga. In spite of the rain, she was in an open carriage, laughing, bowing, and waving to the crowds, who really took her to their hearts.
