As we celebrate the 65th anniversary of her coronation, Queen Elizabeth II has shown us all that even the most steadfast traditions can evolve when the time calls for it. In a rare moment, Her Majesty recently opened up about her memories of June 2, 1953, the day she was crowned Queen of England. At 91 years old, she remains as sharp and witty as ever, reminiscing about the "horrendous" ride in the uncomfortable gold state coach to Westminster Abbey. “It’s not designed for long journeys at all,” she quipped. Holding the five-pound crown she once wore, she chuckled, “Wow, this is just as heavy as it always was! Crowns do come with their own set of challenges, but they're pretty important, aren't they?”
For the Queen, a coronation marks "the beginning of one’s life as a sovereign." Reflecting on the occasion, she remarked, “I've experienced one as a spectator and the other as the participant—it’s quite remarkable.” What’s even more extraordinary is that the longest-serving monarch in British history is now contemplating stepping back. “She has a profound sense of duty and originally intended to serve until the very end,” a senior courtier confided to Closer. “But she’s already broken countless records and has nothing left to prove.” With her beloved husband Prince Philip now retired at 96, her son Prince Charles, 69, ready to take the reins, and her unwavering confidence in the younger generation, she’s finally ready to enjoy some downtime.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
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Stepping Aside: A Seamless Transition
“I’ve been informed that when she reaches 95, she plans to step aside and invoke the Regency Act, allowing Prince Charles to take over in all but name,” explained Robert Jobson, author of The Future Royal Family. Royal commentator Phil Dampier added, “She wants the transition to be smooth and believes this is the best approach. Honestly, no one deserves a break more than the Queen.” When Elizabeth ascended the throne at just 25, she was a young mother to Charles and Princess Anne, never expecting to inherit the crown.
Her uncle Edward VIII’s shocking decision to abdicate to marry his true love, American divorcée Wallis Simpson—a move that was scandalous at the time—shifted British rule first to her father, King George VI, and then to her. “Years ago, the Queen mentioned she never intended to abdicate because her uncle’s resignation nearly brought the monarchy to its knees in 1936,” revealed the courtier. Because of this, Dampier explained, “her life’s mission has been ensuring the survival of the monarchy and the prosperity of the Commonwealth.”
Prince Charles and Princess Anne. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Family and Legacy
At home, her family expanded with the arrival of Prince Andrew and Prince Edward in the 1960s. Throughout her reign, she learned to balance her personal life with her royal
