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ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History unveils fascinating facts and hidden gems from its archive to mark the Coronation

In 1937, the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ covered the Coronation of His Majesty George VI, then in 1953 came the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Published: 0:30 pm, 3 May 2023
Coronation
The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ has been key in creating a sense of nationhood through its great outside broadcast moments. The past two Coronations have reflected both tradition and change in the UK, and I am delighted that audiences can explore the rich history of Coronation broadcasting in more depth.
— Robert Seatter, Head of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History

The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will be the third Coronation broadcast by the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½. To mark the occasion, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History has unveiled 20 fascinating facts and 10 hidden gems from its archive to explore the story of Coronation broadcasting.

In 1937, the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ covered the Coronation of His Majesty George VI, then in 1953 came the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Each Coronation marked a step change in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ broadcasting and its impact on the nation. In 1937 it was a radio and television ‘first’, which astonished audiences with its immediacy and brought the nation together as never possible before. In 1953, the Coronation created a new market for television, transforming it into a mass medium for the UK. The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ made a strong case for TV cameras being let into Westminster Abbey for the crowning moment for the first time, which made the event a more modern and inclusive experience for citizens.

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History has unveiled:

  • 20 Fascinating Facts about the history of Coronation broadcasting
  • A – including Radio Times covers, microphones and cameras from Coronations past
  • A gallery of stills from the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ archives, capturing moments of pomp and pageantry, as well as behind-the-scenes activity

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History has also commissioned two in-depth articles about the  (by academic and producer Steve Hocking) and the  in capturing the spirit of the times (by Prof Jennifer Purcell), which feature direct witness accounts from ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ staff and observers.

Head of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History, Robert Seatter, says: “The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ has been key in creating a sense of nationhood through its great outside broadcast moments. The past two Coronations have reflected both tradition and change in the UK, and I am delighted that audiences can explore the rich history of Coronation broadcasting in more depth.â€

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Press Office

Notes to Editors

  • Images and docs are all â’¸ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and should be credited that way
  • Mass-Observation is a social and historical research project that captures records of everyday life
  • ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½page: 

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