The Feuds & Tensions Behind Queen Elizabeth's Coronation | Behind Closed Doors | Real Royalty

Real Royalty・2 minutes read

Princess Elizabeth became queen after King George VI's death, facing resistance from traditionalists like the Queen Mother and Prince Philip, who clashed over modernizing the monarchy and the decision to televise the coronation. Despite tensions, the televised coronation was a success, revitalizing the ancient ritual but also bringing increased media scrutiny and a change in the royal family name to Mountbatten-Windsor in 1960.

Insights

  • Prince Philip's innovative and modernizing efforts clashed with the traditional views of the Queen Mother and the palace establishment, highlighting a struggle between tradition and progress within the monarchy.
  • The decision to televise Queen Elizabeth's coronation marked a significant shift in royal history, opening the monarchy to increased public scrutiny and ultimately influencing the change in the family name to Mountbatten-Windsor in 1960.

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Recent questions

  • Why was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II significant?

    It marked a new era in British history.

  • How did Prince Philip view the monarchy?

    He aimed for a modern monarchy.

  • How did the Queen Mother view the coronation?

    She saw it as a chance to maintain continuity and stability.

  • How did Prince Philip's background influence his views on the monarchy?

    It led to suspicion from the establishment.

  • What was the impact of televising the coronation?

    It led to increased media scrutiny on the royal family.

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Summary

00:00

Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation: A Modern Monarchy

  • On June 2, 1953, Princess Elizabeth became queen at 27 years old in a grand ceremony with deep historical roots.
  • Prince Philip aimed for a modern monarchy, but faced resistance from traditionalists, including his mother-in-law.
  • King George VI's sudden death in 1952 thrust Elizabeth onto the throne at 25, marking a significant shift in her life.
  • The coronation was meant to symbolize a new era in British history, following the end of World War II.
  • 16 months were dedicated to planning and rehearsing the coronation, reflecting the high stakes involved.
  • The Queen Mother and Prince Philip clashed over the direction of the monarchy, with differing views on tradition and modernity.
  • The Queen Mother, known for her traditional approach, saw the coronation as a chance to maintain continuity and stability.
  • Norman Hartnell's designs transformed the Queen Mother into a fashion icon, setting the stage for her daughter's coronation.
  • Philip's background and innovative views were met with suspicion by the establishment, including the Queen Mother.
  • The transition to Buckingham Palace after King George VI's death was met with resistance from Prince Philip, who preferred Clarence House.

15:36

Philip's Struggle for Modernization at Buckingham Palace

  • Philip found himself living with his mother-in-law and her courtiers at Buckingham Palace, surrounded by women, which he found tiresome.
  • The slow pace of life at Buckingham Palace, suited to the Queen Mother, was intolerable for Philip, who wanted to modernize the place.
  • Philip clashed with the old-fashioned system at the palace, particularly with the queen's private secretary, Sir Alan Lascelles.
  • He suggested using walkie talkies instead of footmen for messages, but faced resistance from palace bureaucrats.
  • Courtiers at the palace, mostly old-school English types, looked down on Philip as a foreigner and not first-class royalty.
  • Philip escaped palace life by socializing with bohemian types, including Baron Nahum, who hosted lively parties.
  • He joined the Thursday Club, a luncheon club for letting off steam with raffish people.
  • Philip's efforts at reform were blocked, even by the Queen, who sided with tradition and the old guard.
  • He campaigned to change the royal family name to Mountbatten but was overruled, causing frustration and feelings of emasculation.
  • Despite the setback, the Queen gave Philip control over their children's education and the royal estate, and made him head of the Coronation Committee, where he threw himself into organizing the event with gusto.

30:43

"Coronation: TV Controversy and Royal Revitalization"

  • The queen and Winston Churchill were against televising the coronation due to its solemn and religious nature.
  • The Duke of Norfolk, the Coronation Committee, and the Cabinet refused the BBC's request to televise the event.
  • Alan Lascelles, the queen's private secretary, emphasized the danger of revealing the behind-the-scenes aspects of the royal family through television.
  • The Queen Mother ensured a coordinated look for the coronation, influencing the choice of designer and who would wear the clothes.
  • The coronation was meticulously rehearsed, with the Duke of Norfolk drilling every movement in advance.
  • The Queen Mother secured Cecil Beaton to take the queen's personal coronation photographs, despite Prince Philip's preference for Baron.
  • The BBC's leak of the decision not to televise the coronation led to public opinion in favor of televising the event.
  • The coronation day arrived after 16 months of preparation, with the ceremony being televised for the first time, exposing the monarchy to millions.
  • Despite some tensions behind the scenes, the coronation was a success, captivating millions of viewers and revitalizing an ancient ritual through television.
  • The decision to televise the coronation had unforeseen consequences, leading to increased media scrutiny on the royal family and a change in the family name to Mountbatten-Windsor in 1960.
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