At the end of a long day, 2nd June 1953, the Queen broadcast to the nation.
She spoke in ‘a clear and firm’ voice, showing not a trace of weariness, but at least one listener detected ‘a deep undercurrent of emotion as she spoke’.
She reflected on the memorable day and thanked all those who had supported her, ‘spread far and wide throughout every continent and ocean in the world’. She confirmed how she had pledged to serve: ‘Throughout all my life and with all my heart, I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.’
The Queen referred to the ancient ritual that had played out that day and, as ever,
