Queen's Coronation treat

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[AbsolutelyWilliam] Queen's Coronation treat

By SUN ONLINE REPORTER

THE QUEEN today marked the 50th anniversary of her Coronation with a commemorative service at Westminster Abbey.

She was crowned amid regal pomp and ceremony inside the historic London landmark on June 2 1953.

And exactly five decades on, The Queen relived the occasion alongside leading Royals, former Prime Ministers, politicians and more than 1,000 members of the public.

For 34 of them it was a double celebration. The so-called "Coronation Babies" were born 50 years ago today and had been invited to the ceremony as special guests.

Crowds lined the route and cheered when the Monarch - who wore a primrose suit and matching hat - arrived accompanied by her husband the Duke of Edinburgh.

As the bells rang out, The Queen was greeted by Dean of Westminster Dr Wesley Carr and led into the grand West Door entrance.

Other Royals joining her for the commemorations were sons the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, and the Earl of Wessex - with his wife Sophie - and daughter the Princess Royal, with her husband Commodore Timothy Laurence.



Family celebration ... Prince Charles, Prince William and The Duke of York

Grandson Prince William was also there but brother Prince Harry could not make
the service as he was sitting his A-level exams at Eton.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is away at the G8 Summit in France, was represented by Lord Chancellor Lord Irvine. Baroness Thatcher, Lord Callaghan, Sir Edward Heath and current Chancellor Gordon Brown headed the list of past and present politicians.

Also among the 2,250-strong congregation was the Prince of Wales?s partner Camilla Parker Bowles, Sir Edmund Hillary - whose feat of conquering Mount Everest was announced on the same day as the Coronation - and 240 people who played a part in the the ceremony 50 years ago.

The Queen acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father George VI, but she was not crowned until 16 months later.



Hat's the way ... Camilla at today's service

That anniversary was marked with grand Golden Jubilee celebrations last year
and it was decided to keep this year's event low-key by comparison. It was a non- ceremonial occasion with The Queen driven from Buckingham Palace to Westminster in a royal limousine rather than a coach and horses.

But the day would not be complete without a party and later The Queen will hold a tea for underprivileged children in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

Pop stars, clowns and bouncy castles willl be on hand to entertain the 500 kids aged six to 12 who include some with special needs, orphans and 100 from families involved in the Iraq war.

According to the Showmen?s Guild of Great Britain, it is the first funfair held there for more than 100 years when one was staged for Queen Victoria?s birthday.

Sir Malcolm Ross, the Queen?s Comptroller, who has masterminded the party, said: ?The aim is to give the children a jolly time.

?We thought that during the Golden Jubilee celebrations there possibly wasn?t enough for children, so this is an opportunity to put that right.

?The Queen has four children of her own and several grandchildren - so she knows all about children.?