Photos of Queen Elizabeth II Coronation: Verified History and Where to Find Them

Overview of the Coronation and Its Visual Record

On 2 June 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was the first major global event to be extensively documented through still and moving images, broadcast to millions and preserved in archives. Official photographers, news agencies, and royal staff captured the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the processions, and the balcony appearance, creating a durable visual record. This guide explains where key photos exist, who made them, and how to access reliable images for research or reference.

Key Photographers and Official Imagery

Multiple photographers and official units contributed to the visual record, with distinct roles and archives:

• Lord Lichfield (Patrick Lichfield): Commissioned by the Royal Household, producing formal and informal portraits.
• Central Office of Information (COI): Provided official documentary photographs for government distribution.
• Press Association and Reuters: Supplied news photographs to newspapers and broadcasters.
• BBC Still Photography Unit: Captured images for news and magazine features.
• Hulton Archive: Collected and syndicated photographs for commercial use.

Official Collections and Their Scope

The Royal Collection holds a significant portion of the formal official photographs, while the National Archives and the BBC Archive preserve news and broadcast stills. Commercial images are often found in picture agency catalogues such as Getty Images and Alamy, many of which derive from COI and press agency originals. Public and academic libraries may also hold regional or compiled albums of coronation photographs.

Iconic Moments Captured in Photos

Several scenes from the day are frequently reproduced and recognized:

• The procession to Westminster Abbey, featuring the royal carriage and regalia.
• The ceremony at the Coronation Chair, including the anointing and crowning.
• The balcony appearance with the royal family after the service.
• The drive through London on the return route, with well-wishers lining the streets.
• State portraits taken in official dress, used for diplomatic and public display.

Verifiable Details of the Coronation Visual Record

How to Locate and Evaluate Photos

When searching for photos of Queen Elizabeth II coronation, prioritize institutions with clear provenance:

• Search catalogues of The Royal Collection and the National Archives using terms such as 'coronation 1953' and 'Queen Elizabeth II'.
• Use reputable image libraries like Getty Images for editorial and commercial rights information.
• Check captions and metadata: verify dates, names, and locations to avoid misidentified images.
• Review usage rights carefully, as formal portraits may carry different restrictions than news photographs.

Context: Ceremony and Procession Highlights

The coronation followed a traditional Anglican service, with Elizabeth II crowned in Westminster Abbey and anointed with holy oil. The subsequent processions, including the route from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace and the balcony appearance, generated many of the most widely circulated photographs. Understanding the sequence of events helps identify where and when a photo was taken within the day’s timeline.

Preservation and Public Access

Institutions continue to digitise coronation photographs and make them available online. The Royal Collection and the National Archives provide searchable databases, while the BBC Archive offers curated galleries and contextual information. Academic resources and local history collections may also hold community-sourced albums and prints, enriching the public record of the event.

Useful Comparison of Common Coronation Photo Sources