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Sir Robert Menzies: Our Coronation Tour - Coronation and Procession
Title:
Sir Robert Menzies: Our Coronation Tour - Coronation and Procession
NFSA ID
5208
Year
1953
Courtesy
Heather Henderson
This clip from a home movie, filmed by Australian Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, shows Queen Elizabeth II arriving at Westminster Abbey in a horse-drawn carriage for her coronation on 2 June 1953. She alights from the carriage surrounded by her Maids of Honour and enters the Abbey. The Groom of the Robes delivers the Robe Royal of Pall cloth of gold with the Stole Royal to the Dean of Westminster, who, assisted by the Mistress of the Robes, puts it upon the Queen. The Lord Great Chamberlain fastens the clips.
The Archbishop of Canterbury gives the Sceptre and then the Rod with the Dove to the Queen. The Archbishop then lowers a crown onto her head then kisses her right hand. The Duke of Edinburgh then ascends the steps of the Throne, and having taken off his coronet, kneels down and places his hands between the Queen’s and says the words of Homage. Then her Majesty leaves the Chapel wearing her Crown and bearing the Sceptre and the Orb.
Summary by Elizabeth Taggart-Speers
In an interview for The Canberra Files, Menzies’ daughter Heather Henderson revealed that although Menzies shot most of his home movies, much of the Coronation Service was filmed by his secretary while he was outside the Abbey.
Our Coronation Tour Synopsis
This home movie filmed by the Australian Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Robert G Menzies, records the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the official ceremonies and parades associated with the event.
Our Coronation Tour Curator’s notes
Shot on 16mm colour film, this home movie filmed by Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, on 2 June 1953 is a significant historical record that captures the official ceremonies for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It begins with an official welcome. Sir Robert captures prominent leaders including the Queen of Tonga and The Prime Minister of Canada.
Heather Henderson, the daughter of Sir Robert Menzies, revealed in an interview for The Canberra Files, that although Menzies shot most of his home movies, much of the Coronation Service was filmed by his secretary while he was outside the Abbey.
Notes by Elizabeth Taggart-Speers
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia acknowledges Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and gives respect to their Elders both past and present.