If the Queen’s Crown Could Talk

Emily, 9

Hamilton College, Hamilton

The story starts in the summer of 1953 when I first met Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on the day she was to be crowned Queen. I was sitting patiently on the padded velvet cushion in Westminster Abbey, waiting for the unforgettable moment when I got placed on the new Queen’s head.

The Abbey was bustling full with people dressed in beautiful, fancy clothes. I could hear the singing of the choir as I was anticipating the moment the young Princess arrived. Then I saw the lovely princess walk towards me towards her throne. The ladies in waiting dressed her in her Velvet Robes ready for me to be placed gently on her head to complete the outfit! My time had arrived I hoped I was looking my best and my rubies were shing bright. Next thing I knew the Archbishop of Canterbury lifted my cushion near to her before lifting me high above the princess’s head. I was ecstatic when he lowered me down onto the Queens head and everyone shouted long live the Queen. Then the triumphant music started to echo round the abbey.

When I think back to that day I as I relax in my secure gleaming glass in the Tower of London I think of what has changed since then. I was lucky enough to see the bright colours filling the abbey that day in the throne, gowns and even my glimmering gem stones which covered me with colour. But many of the 27 million people in the UK and even more round the world who watched on TV could only see the coronation in black and white because coloured TV was still new. What a pity as the colours were the best part of the day.

As I left the Abbey with the Queen in her golden horse drawn carriage I could see that the transport was different from how it is now. The roads were quieter in 1953 because there were less cars. The cars also looked very different from now. In 1953 the cars were smaller with chrome bumpers and lights and black and white number plates. Todays cars are way more modern and have much more technology like heated seats and screens. They are built using materials like carbon fibre and plastic. Today we have electric cars and in 1953 they didn’t exist.

A lot has changed since 1953 although I haven’t! Even the 18 year old new Queen herself who is now in her 90s. When I see her on visits to the tower I still recognise her and hope she still remembers when we met on the day of her coronation.