January 1, This Day in History – May 12th

On May 12th, 1937, the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth took place at Westminster Abbey in London, England. The event marked a significant moment in British history, as George VI ascended to the throne following the abdication of his older brother, King Edward VIII, the previous year.

The coronation was a grand affair, attended by dignitaries from all over the world and watched by millions of people via radio and newsreels. The ceremony included a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, followed by the anointing and crowning of the new king and queen.

Despite the pageantry and excitement surrounding the coronation, the country was still reeling from the aftermath of the Great Depression and the looming threat of war. George VI’s reign would be defined by these challenges, as he navigated the difficult political and social landscape of the time.

One of the key moments of George VI’s reign came just a few years later, in 1940, when he delivered a stirring speech to the British people, rallying them in the face of the growing threat of Nazi Germany. The speech, which included the now-famous phrase “We shall fight on the beaches,” is widely regarded as one of the most inspiring speeches in British history.

Throughout his reign, George VI proved to be a popular and respected monarch, who worked tirelessly to support his people and his country. His coronation remains an important moment in British history, symbolizing the continuity and stability of the monarchy in the face of difficult times.