It was the biggest TV event of the 20th century up to that point!
An estimated 277 million viewers worldwide watched the coronation of Elizabeth II (then 27) on June 2, 1953 – in black and white. Many stand in front of the shop windows of department stores and television shops.
The Coronation of King Charles III. No one will see THIS sacred moment
Because only a few had their own apparatus back then.
Rückblick: In Great Britain, with its 50.6 million inhabitants, there are only 1.45 million personal devices. In what was then West Germany, there were even fewer than 100,000 with around 52 million inhabitants.
It is the world’s first coronation to be broadcast live.
In Germany it can be seen from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Because there are no satellites yet, but the Queen’s subjects in distant parts of the kingdom should also see the event, film rolls are flown to Canada and Australia, for example.
Charles’ coronation: Britain and the world looks forward to the event of the century
It is thanks to Elizabeth II’s husband that there was a TV broadcast at all. Prime Minister Winston Churchill was strictly against it at the time. Because the ceremony is a “sacred act” that should not be disturbed by cameras.
The young Queen also finds television “vulgar” and for the Archbishop of Canterbury this “mass-produced form of entertainment is one of the greatest dangers facing the world”.
Prince Philip († 99) sees it completely differently.
He recognizes the opportunity to stage the monarchy in a modern and more approachable way. This also convinces his wife, who finally pushes through the transmission against all odds. Only the anointing of Elizabeth II is not shown. It’s part of the settlement with Churchill. A canopy protects the queen from the cameras at this moment.
Dracula, iron, toilet seat The 5 weirdest Charles facts
On this historic day Charles four years old. 70 years later he is now becoming König crowned – under completely different conditions.
In Great Britain alone there are now 44.5 million private televisions, and in Germany there are even around 61.8 million. Thanks to the internet and mobile phones, the broadcast can also be seen on the go. For comparison: The Queen’s state funeral on September 19, 2022 is said to have been watched live by an estimated 4.1 billion people worldwide. Of course in color!
A similar amount of attention is paid to the Coronation of Charles be. However, nobody will have to stand in front of a shop window anymore.
Queen Elizabeth with her love Prince Philip
Special “The Coronation of the Century” by King Charles III. live at BILD
Saturday 6 May from 8.45 a.m Don’t miss this coronation show
