Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Abigail O'Leary

Queen to break royal tradition on 'painful' anniversary of father King George's death

The Queen will break royal tradition this year on the 'painful' anniversary of her father King George's death.

King George died at Sandringham House in 1952, while then-Princess Elizabeth was touring the Commonwealth with Prince Philip.

In honour of his, the Queen usually prolongs her winter stay at Sandringham to mark the anniversary of his passing there.

However, this year, coronavirus will see the monarch break with the tradition as she will quietly mark the sad occasion at Windsor Castle, where she is self-isolating.

The day also marks the 69th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

The Queen and Prince Philip with the Queen Mother and King George (Popperfoto via Getty Images)

She does not officially celebrate the accession, which took place on June 2 1953.

Next year, the country will come together to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with public celebrations including parades and pageantry.

Last November, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced Britons will enjoy a four-day bank holiday between June 2 and 5 to celebrate the historic milestone.

The Queen was just 25 when her father, George VI, died suddenly making her the new Queen.

The then-Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya with Prince Philip and a team of staff at the time, and her husband had the heartbreaking job of giving her the news.

Queen Elizabeth II in coronation robes in 1953 (Getty Images)

Not only did the young princess have to come to terms with losing her dad, she also had to take in the fact that she was now the Monarch - something that would completely change every aspect of her life.

But moments after being given the life-changing news, the future Queen walked over to staff and apologised to them.

Recalling the heartbreaking day on February 6 1952, Elizabeth’s lady-in-waiting Pamela Mountbatten says her boss was "completely calm".

The royal couple and their staff were in Kenya at the time, but the unexpected tragedy meant the Princess had to return home immediately to take care of arrangements and start her role as monarch.

Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh attend a polo match at Nyeri in Kenya, only days before the death of her father (Getty Images)

Writing in her memoirs Daughter Of Empire, she says: "She remained completely calm and said simply: 'I am so sorry. This means we all have to go home.'"

The team set to work planning their hasty journey back to Britain on the royal BOAC Argonaut, which had to be delayed for several hours because of a storm.

Ever aware of her public duty, Elizabeth immediately discussed the practicalities of her return to England.

But she also asked for an hour alone in her room.

They travelled back to London on the royal BOAC Argonaut, stopping to refuel in Libya.

Her staff also realised her mourning outfit had already been sent on by plane to the next stop on her royal tour.

When the royal plane touched down in London, a black dress was brought on board for her to change into before she emerged to the full glare of the press and public.

The Queen arrived back in mourning garb to meet dignitaries including PM Winston Churchill.

Her coronation took place the following year and was the first ever to be televised.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.