King's Coronation: 20 photos from Edinburgh in 1953 in the year of Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation

Let’s travel back 70 years to Edinburgh in 1953, when Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne

By Ginny Sanderson

Published 6th May 2023, 13:57 BST

Updated 6th May 2023, 14:21 BST

As the Coronation of King Charles III takes place, let’s look back on Edinburgh in 1953 in the year of the last coronation, when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned. It was a time when rationing of sweets was brought to an end, Richard Burton appeared as Hamlet at the Edinburgh Festival and the Queen visited the Capital as part of her Coronation tour.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh walk to Signet Library from St Giles' Cathedral after a service. The Queen is dressed in a robe of the Order of the Thistle

1. Coronation visit

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh walk to Signet Library from St Giles' Cathedral after a service. The Queen is dressed in a robe of the Order of the Thistle Photo: Unknown

People look down as Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh arrive at Edinburgh Castle for the traditional ceremony of presenting the Sovereign with the key for the castle.

2. Edinburgh Castle

People look down as Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh arrive at Edinburgh Castle for the traditional ceremony of presenting the Sovereign with the key for the castle. Photo: Unknown

The Queen and Duke arrive at Castle for Key Ceremony

3. Royal carriage

The Queen and Duke arrive at Castle for Key Ceremony Photo: Unknown

A Highland Ball is held in Assembly Rooms to celebrate the Queen's coronation.

4. Highland Ball

A Highland Ball is held in Assembly Rooms to celebrate the Queen's coronation. Photo: Unknown

Elizabeth II Coronation Edinburgh Charles III