History Today: The momentous coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

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Queen Elizabeth II was just 27 years old when she ascended the throne after her father's death. It was not until June 2, 1953, that she officially became queen of England and the Commonwealth after her coronation. This was also the first coronation that was televised, with 20 million people watching the broadcast read more
This photograph of the newly crowned monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, was sent by special radiophoto circuit from London. AP
The world watched in wonder as Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne on June 2, 1953. Although she had become the queen after her father's death on February 6, 1952, it was from June 2 that her reign formally began as monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
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It was on this day in 2014 that Telangana, the 29th state of India, came into existence. The people had been struggling for decades to separate from Andhra Pradesh and form a state of their own.
Here are some of the events that took place on this day.
Elizabeth II's coronation
Queen Elizabeth II was one of the few leaders of the world who witnessed it all, from the moon landing to the pandemic. She took over the monarchy from her late father King George VI. The King's health had been deteriorating since 1949 due heavy smoking but continued to perform his duties until his death in 1952. Elizabeth's journey as a monarch was very similar to that of her father… full of surprises. King George VI took over the monarchy after his brother Edward VIII abdicated the crown. Despite not being born to be the queen, Elizabeth was prepared from a young age for royal responsibilities.
Queen Elizabeth's coronation was the first televised ceremony of the monarchy. File image/AP
Queen Elizabeth II's coronation took place at Westminster Abbey in London, marking the formal beginning of her reign as monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. The ceremony followed centuries-old rituals, including the anointing with holy oil, the presentation of royal regalia, and the formal crowning with the St Edward's Crown by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The coronation oath was a key part of the event, during which Elizabeth pledged to uphold the laws of her realms and govern with justice and mercy.
Dignitaries, royals and representatives from around the world attended, emphasising Britain's global influence and the importance of the Commonwealth. The streets of London were lined with crowds, despite rainy weather, celebrating the young queen who symbolises hope and continuity in a changing world.
The coronation was a historic and symbolic event that became the first in British history to be televised live. Over 20 million people in the UK alone watched the broadcast, and many millions more around the world tuned in. This decision helped modernise the monarchy and bring it closer to the public.
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Birth of Telangana state
June 2 is an important day for India because it was on this day in 2014 that Telangana was officially created. It became the 29th state of India after its formal separation from Andhra Pradesh. But why did the people demand for a separate state?
Telangana, historically part of the Hyderabad princely state annexed by India in 1948, was merged with the Andhra region (formerly of the Madras Presidency) in 1956 to create Andhra Pradesh, based on linguistic similarities. However, a widespread sentiment in Telangana held that the promises of the Gentlemen's Agreement which was designed to protect their interests were unfulfilled leading to grievances concerning the inequitable distribution of water, jobs, education and development opportunities.
The movement for a separate Telangana gained momentum in the late 1990s and 2000s, led by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) under K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). Mass protests, student participation, and public mobilization increased pressure on the central government. After intense political debate, Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act in February 2014, approving the bifurcation.
On June 2, 2014, Telangana was officially declared a separate state with Hyderabad as its capital, shared with Andhra Pradesh for a 10-year transitional period with K Chandrashekar Rao becoming its first Chief Minister. Every year June 2 is celebrated as Telangana Formation Day, commemorating the aspirations, struggles, and achievements of the people who made the state a reality.
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This Day, That Year
On this day in 1946, the people of Italy passed a referendum to replace the governing monarchy with a republic.
Constantine II, king of Greece from 1964 to 1974, was born in Psikhikó, near Athens on this day 1940.