Just in from across the pond, these Vintage British Royalty Pictorials arrived as part of a large collection of large-format magazines produced to celebrate the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Each one is filled with rarely published photos, splendid images of coronation day, and interesting stories detailing Elizabeth's early years, along with amusing advertisements of the era. These fascinating magazines offer a unique glimpse into the more personal side of this historic event.

A wonderful gift for an avid royal watcher, a fun coffee table conversation piece, or an addition to your coronation memorabilia collection, we are confident this dynamic collection of ephemera will bring lively pomp and circumstance wherever it is displayed.

Strictly one of a kind and subject to prior sale. In good vintage condition with signs of wear commensurate with their age. Magazines measure 13.75" x 10.25". Magazine page counts range from 40 - 80 pages. 

Learn More About Queen Elizabeth's Coronation

“Sirs, I here present unto you Queen Elizabeth, your undoubted Queen...”  

"God save Queen Elizabeth!"  

Queen Elizabeth II was born the first child of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Albert, or as the world came to know him, King George VI. Prince Albert, the Duke of York, was the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. When King George V passed in 1936, Prince Albert served and reigned as King George VI, King of the United Kingdom.

As his health declined in 1951, Elizabeth started to assume the presence of her father King George VI at various public events. In October of that year, Elizabeth toured Canada and the United States, carrying with her a draft accession declaration in the event of the King’s passing. In early 1952, Elizabeth and her husband Philip set out to tour Australia, New Zealand and Kenya. On February 6 1952, Elizabeth had returned to her Kenyan accommodations when she had heard the news relayed to her by Prince Philip - King George VI had passed and she had become Queen. Ruling under the regal name, Queen Elizabeth II, she and her husband, who had become the Duke of Edinburgh, reigned over all of the United Kingdom, taking residence in Buckingham Palace.

Although the newly ascended monarch was officially proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II, her coronation ceremony was held more than a year after her accession. True to tradition, celebrations such as a coronation were not considered appropriate during a time of mourning and it was on June 2, 1953 Elizabeth's coronation ceremony was held, including her solemn promise to uphold the laws of her nations and govern the Church of England.

Adorned with the Imperial State Crown and holding a scepter with the cross and orb, Elizabeth had officially become Queen of the United Kingdom. As she made her way out of the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey, the crowd proudly sang “God Save the Queen”.

Learn More about Coronation Memorabilia

As a means to commemorate historic events - including coronations; silver, golden and diamond jubilees; royal weddings and royal visits to distant lands - artisans and craftspeople were commissioned to create beautiful pieces of memorabilia. Highly collectable, they are much more than mementos of an event long past. They are lovely pieces created to capture the spirit of their time as much as they capture our imaginations today.