Queen Elizabeth II, 4 November 1952, on way to her first State Opening of Parliament

Charles James Dawson (1917 - 2006)

black and white photograph

1952

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  • About the work
    Location
    Country: UK
    City: London
    Place: Government Art Collection
    Cropped from a press photograph by Charles James Dawson, this image captures a joyful Queen Elizabeth II on 4 November 1952, her way to her first State Opening of Parliament as Queen. The photograph captures a glimpse of her smiling face from inside the Irish State Coach. In the background are the blurred faces of the many hundreds of people who lined the pavements outside Buckingham Palace to catch a glimpse of her. 
    The Queen opened her first speech to Parliament with an acknowledgement of her thanks to the many wishes of condolences she had received on the death of her father, King George VI in February 1952: On this first occasion when I speak to you in person as your Queen I gratefully acknowledge the sympathy which has been extended to Me and My Family from every part of the Commonwealth. By His selfless devotion to His duties as your Sovereign My Father set an example which it will be My constant endeavour to follow. I am well assured that My peoples everywhere will accord Me that same loyalty and understanding which ever supported Him in the service of His peoples. 
    On the death of her father on 6 February 1952, the British throne had passed to Princess Elizabeth. At the time she and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, were in Kenya, from where they swiftly returned to London. Elizabeth was crowned Queen of England on 2 June 1953 at the age of 27. This photograph is believed to have been taken by Charles James Dawson, a Central Press photographer at the time. This image was also reproduced as a postcard image, an edited example of which can be found in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection.
  • Explore
    People
    Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022)
    Places
    Subjects
    carriage, portrait, female portrait, royal portrait, woman, Queen, state opening of Parliament
    Materials & Techniques
    photograph (as object name), black & white photograph
  • Details
    Artist
    Charles James Dawson (1917 - 2006)
    Title
    Queen Elizabeth II, 4 November 1952, on way to her first State Opening of Parliament
    Date
    1952
    Medium
    black and white photograph
    GAC number
    19009