The GNM Archive holds a copy of the coronation supplement published on 3 May 1937, 9 days before the coronation of George VI. In its first article it declares ".. the life of the monarch is a life of stern and arduous duty in which public considerations overrule private convenience." There were articles on the meaning of the coronation, Westminster Abbey and the preparations, the history of the coronation and its symbolism, a biography of the king and his family as well as coronation themed adverts. You can download a copy of the article 'The meaning of the coronation' by clicking on the link below.
Manchester Guardian Coronation Supplement, 3 May 1937 - 'The meaning of the coronation'
There were street parties throughout the UK and the Manchester Guardian Offices in Cross Street, Manchester were decorated for the coronation day.
By the time of the Queen Elizabeth's coronation in June 1953 the Guardian's relationship with the monarchy was not so deferential. Whilst the editor A P Wadsworth had a range of loyal coverage in the next day's paper he also published the controversial cartoon by David Low which drew attention to the huge cost of event when the country was going through a period of austerity. You can download a copy of the coverage and cartoon below. The cartoon led to a flood of complaints from readers and highlighted that the paper's relationship with the monarchy was starting to change.
In December 2000 the Guardian called a debate of the future of the monarchy and suggested that there should be a referendum. It argued in its editorial that the "problem is not one particular royal family or one particular royal. The problem is the office itself", and it hoped that in time "we will move – by democratic consensus – to become a republic."
Leader coloumn 6 December 2000
Guardian's recent monarchy coverage
