70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

Updated 1230 GMT (2030 HKT) February 06, 2022

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When her father died in 1952, Elizabeth II — then just 25 years old — became the Queen of England.

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952.

The princess was 25 and on a royal visit to Kenya when she heard about the sudden death of her father, King George VI.

The Accession Council met in London to pronounce her the successor to the throne.

King George VI, left, is joined by his wife, Elizabeth, and Princess Margaret as he leaves an airport in London on January 31, 1952. They had waved farewell to Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, who were heading on a royal tour.
King George VI, left, is joined by his wife, Elizabeth, and Princess Margaret as he leaves an airport in London on January 31, 1952. They had waved farewell to Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, who were heading on a royal tour.
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During her royal tour, Princess Elizabeth attends a polo match in Nyeri, Kenya, on February 3, 1952.
During her royal tour, Princess Elizabeth attends a polo match in Nyeri, Kenya, on February 3, 1952.
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Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip wave to Kenyans from the balcony of Nairobi's City Hall on February 4, 1952.
Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip wave to Kenyans from the balcony of Nairobi's City Hall on February 4, 1952.
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Londoners read the news of King George's death on February 6, 1952. He was 56 years old when he died in his sleep from a coronary thrombosis.
Londoners read the news of King George's death on February 6, 1952. He was 56 years old when he died in his sleep from a coronary thrombosis.
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The flag flies at half-staff at Windsor Castle following the King's death.
The flag flies at half-staff at Windsor Castle following the King's death.
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Prime Minister Winston Churchill leaves St. James's Palace after attending a meeting of the Accession Council, which is automatically summoned on the death of the sovereign.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill leaves St. James's Palace after attending a meeting of the Accession Council, which is automatically summoned on the death of the sovereign.
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Elizabeth, now the new Queen, returns from Kenya on February 7, 1952.
Elizabeth, now the new Queen, returns from Kenya on February 7, 1952.
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Elizabeth and Philip are greeted on their arrival in London.
Elizabeth and Philip are greeted on their arrival in London.
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Gerald Wollaston, the Norroy and Ulster King of Arms, reads the proclamation of the Queen's accession on February 8, 1952.
Gerald Wollaston, the Norroy and Ulster King of Arms, reads the proclamation of the Queen's accession on February 8, 1952.
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A ceremony for the proclamation is held on February 8, 1952.
A ceremony for the proclamation is held on February 8, 1952.
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The Queen and her family arrives for her father's funeral procession on February 15, 1952.
The Queen and her family arrives for her father's funeral procession on February 15, 1952.
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King George's coffin is guarded at Westminster Hall in London.
King George's coffin is guarded at Westminster Hall in London.
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Crowds line the route of the King's funeral procession.
Crowds line the route of the King's funeral procession.
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Foreign heads of state and their representatives march in the King's funeral procession.
Foreign heads of state and their representatives march in the King's funeral procession.
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The funeral procession of King George makes its way through London.
The funeral procession of King George makes its way through London.
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