Two former Metropolitan Police officers have recalled the day they were on duty in a wet London for the Coronation of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 70 years ago.
Alan and Dorothy Jolley, who have been married for 69 years, were both serving with the Met at the Queen’s Coronation at Westminster Abbey in London on Coronation Day, Tuesday, June 2 1953.
The ceremony was watched by over 7,000 spectators within the Abbey, and millions around the world, as it was the first Coronation of a British monarch to be televised.
Alan, aged 94, and his wife, Dorothy, 92, recalled their duties at a party at the BUPA Trowbridge Oaks care home in West Ashton Road, ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III.
On the day that Queen Elizabeth II was crowned, Britain experienced what was described as “really quite miserable” weather, with cloudy and wet conditions across the country and a maximum temperature of just 11.2 Centigrade.
Alan, who served with the Met for 29 years, said: “It was a long long day. I had to start at 3.30 in the morning but it was a day I have always remembered.
“I was along The Mall and crowds were ten deep, they packed the road side in order to get a glimpse of the Golden Coach.
“Dorothy’s duties were to accompany children in another area of the city but we both, although it was a tiring day, really enjoyed the spectacle of the marching troops and the bands.
“We are both looking forward to watching the King’s Coronation but this time from the comfort of our armchairs in front of the television.”
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