In pictures: coronations of British kings and queens through the years

On June 2 1953, a 27-year-old Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne at Westminster Abbey. The broadcast was watched by an estimated 20 million people around the world and it was the first time that cameras were placed inside the abbey, making it the country’s first truly modern coronation. With the news of the death of England’s longest-reigning monarch, we rounded up some of our favourite pictures of the coronations of the nation’s kings and queens.

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 King Edward VII’s Coronation, 1902

King Edward VII’s coronation, 1902 | Photograph: Bishopsgate Institute

Street procession at King Edward VII’s coronation, 1902 | Photograph: Bishopsgate Institute

King George V’s Coronation, 1911

Lifeguards at Admiralty Arch, George V’s coronation, 1911 | Photograph: Bishopsgate Institute

Decorated structure at King George V’s coronation, 1911 | Photograph: Bishopsgate Institute

King George VI’s Coronation, 1937

King George VI’s coronation procession, 1937 | Photograph: Getty ImagesKing George VI's coronation procession, 1937

King George VI’s coronation, 1937 | Photograph: Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, 1953

Photograph: Rolls Press/Getty ImagesGolden carriage at Queen Elizabeth II coronation, 1953

Inside Westminster Abbey, Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, 1953 | Photograph: Fox Photos/Getty Images

Crowds at Admiralty Arch, Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, 1953 | Photograph: Central Press/Getty Images

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