As Australia mourns the passing of Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, we remember the historical event when Elizabeth acceded the throne on 6 February 1952 on the passing of the late King George VI.

In the lead up to the Queen’s Coronation on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey in London, our region prepared for Coronation celebrations. Let’s take a look at some of the events leading up to the Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation….

The Gympie Times, 2 June 1953

The Gympie Times, 2 June 1953

The Gympie Times, 4 June 1953

Of note, local poet Myra Steer (poem printed above) sent copies of her printed poetry books to His Excellency the Governor, Government House, Brisbane. The copy of the letter Myra Steer received in receipt from Goverment House, Brisbane dated 11 March 1954, writes:

“Her Majesty is very pleased to accept these copies of your works, and has commanded me to send you her sincere thanks”.