- .Duke of Edinburgh attended the service despite being taken ill and withdrawing from an engagement last night
- .Prince William and his heavily-pregnant wife Kate also came - a month before she is due to give birth
- .Majestic St Edward's Crown, which has not left the Tower since the Queen's Coronation is brought back to the Abbey
- .Queen, Prince Philip, their children and spouses attend private lunch after the service
- .During his address the Archbishop of Canterbury said the Queen's path was one 'she didn't choose but was called to'
By MARTIN ROBINSON and ROB COOPER
The Queen and most of the Royal Family today attended a special service at Westminster Abbey to mark the 60th anniversary of her coronation in 1953.
Her husband Prince Philip was also able to accompany his wife to the event, despite having to withdraw from an engagement with her last night due to illness.
Outside the church crowds of well-wishers wearing red, white and blue and waving flags enthusiastically cheered Britain's monarch, 60 years since she was crowned at the Abbey.
The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and more than 20 royals, including the heavily pregnant Duchess of Cambridge and her husband Prince William attended the religious service.
It is the first time the couple, whose first baby is due next month, have attended a public event at the church since they married there two years ago.
The service had several elements that mirrored the Queen's coronation, and the Crown Jewels, including the majestic St Edward's Crown, were taken from the Tower of London and placed on the Abbey's altar - the first time they had been there since she was crowned on June 2, 1953.
During his address the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, described the Queen's life as one of 'demanding devotion and utter self sacrifice - a path she did not choose but one she was called to,' adding she would 'rule in heaven with Jesus'.
Royal anniversary: Queen Elizabeth arrives with her husband Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the 60th anniversary of her coronation, which took place there on June 2 1953
Arrivals: The Queen smiled broadly as she came to the Abbey, dressed in all white, as members of the Royal Family also gathered to celebrate her reign
Royal arrival: Prince William and his pregnant wife Kate pictured ahead of the service, and the couple were accompanied by William's brother Prince Harry (right)
Line of succession: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip leave Westminster Abbey led by the clergy after the service. They were followed by Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall, then Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, and finally Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice
Momentous occasion: Britain's Queen Elizabeth and the royal party depart as St Edward's Crown sits behind them on the Abbey's altar, the first time the Crown Jewels have been there since 1953
Happy to be together: Prince William and Zara Phillips laugh and grip one another as Kate and Princess Eugenie smile behind them after the service ended this afternoon
The Duke of Edinburgh was also there despite having to withdraw from an engagement with this wife last night due to illness.
The service was the main national event to celebrate the coronation and is a lower-key affair than last year's events that marked the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Leading figures from national life were among the 2,000 guests, including the Prince of Wales, Prime Minister David Cameron, Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma and senior individuals from the military.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev Dr John Hall, welcomed the Queen and Duke when they arrived at the great west door of the Abbey where kings and queens have been crowned since 1066.
Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, who had arrived a few minutes before the royal couple, also warmly greeted the Queen and Philip.
Among the guests was Lord Singh of Wimbledon, from the Sikh community, a regular on the BBC Radio 4's Today programme, and senior figures from the Sunni and Shia Muslim communities, liberal and orthodox Jewish communities and the UK's Hindus.
High Commissioners from Commonwealth countries were also present, along with representatives of British overseas territories, the diplomatic corps and participants in the 1953 coronation.
Family event: Queen Elizabeth sits amongst members of the Royal family close to the altar of the grand Central London church as the service held in her honour was about to start
Royal family: (From left to right) The Queen, Prince Philip (obscured from view), Prince Charles, his wife Camilla, Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry
Having fun: The Duchess of Cambridge grins as she speaks to the Sophie Countess of Wessex during the service
Service: Queen Elizabeth II and members of the Royal family sit and read the order of service, while well-known joker Prince Harry made Kate giggle
Westminster Abbey: Prince William, left, his pregnant wife Kate, and his brother Harry read from the order of service as they took their seats in the Abbey today
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie sit inside a packed Westminster Abbey ahead of the service this morning
Prime Minister David Cameron arrives at Westminster Abbey today where he read the first reading. Winston Churchill was Prime Minister 60 years ago at the Queen's Coronation
Next generation: Prince William, his pregnant wife the Duchess of Cambridge, and his brother Prince Harry prepare for the service inside Westminster Abbey
Heir to the throne: Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are welcomed into Westminster Abbey ahead of the service this morning
Dropping off? Zara Phillips' husband Mike Tindall sitting behind Kate and William looked tired and had his eyes closed on several occasions
Former England captain Tindall was also rubbing his eyes, having just returned from Hong Kong where he played in a rugby match against the British and Irish Lions
Traditional: Members of the choir prepare to sing, in a service which included several elements from the Queen's Coronation on June 2 1953
The Queen and Philip were the last figures in a procession along the Abbey's nave that featured Charles and Camilla, the Dean of Westminster and the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will give the service's address.
The Queen wore an Angela Kelly dress, hat and coat, with the clothes made from oyster coloured silk-satin brocade that has been in the Buckingham Palace's material room for a number of years.
Kate wore a bespoke delicate daisy lace dress with silver grey ribbon detail and a soft peach silk shantung jacket by British designer Jenny Packham.
Elements of the 1953 coronation ceremony were reflected in the celebration service.
Elements of the 1953 coronation ceremony were reflected in the celebration service.
Other royals present were Prince Harry, the Duke of York, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor, the Princess Royal and Zara Phillips and her husband Mike Tindall.
Today's spectacle, like the event of 60 years ago, was broadcast live by the BBC.
Fanfare trumpeters of the Band of the Welsh Guards sounded a musical flourish to announce the arrival of the Queen.
The Queen was crowned at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953, in a solemn, ancient ceremony which dates back more than 1,000 years.
Although the 1953 coronation was an exclusively Anglican Christian ceremony, representatives from other faiths were invited to attend today's celebration.
When kings or queens are crowned the ritual features the recognition, oath, anointing, investiture and homage. The service began with a form of the recognition - where the Queen's 60 years of service was recognised.
Elegant: Despite being only a month away from giving birth, the Duchess of Cambridge easily climbs out of her land Rover as she attended the Queen's special service
Arrival: Princesses Eugenie (right) and Beatrice (left) wave to the crowds as they arrived at Westminster Abbey in strong sunshine
Royal family: (Pictured left to right) Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex arrive walked through the gates at Westminster Abbey
Getting to the Abbey: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall (right), like pleased as they arrived for the celebration
Arrivals: Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, smiled to photographers (left) as did Prime Minister David Cameron (right) who did the first reading today
Expecting: A heavily-pregnant Duchess of Cambridge gets out of a car as she arrives at Westminster Abbey today. She is expecting her baby in just four weeks
Prince William, his wife Catherine, and Prince Harry enter Westminster Abbey today ahead of the service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Coronation Service
Pleased to be there: Princess Eugenie, Prince Edward and Sophie of Wessex arrive (left) and Princess Michael of Kent is seen (right) outside the church
The Dean of Westminster told the congregation: 'Sixty years ago, in this holy place, Queen Elizabeth II was anointed with holy oil, clothed with sacred garments, and, after receiving symbols of authority, crowned with the Crown of St Edward, King and Confessor, just as Her Majesty's royal predecessors from 1066.
'Here today we gather to give thanks to almighty God for the faithful ministry and dutiful service the Queen continues to offer God and the people of this nation, the overseas territories and the realms, and as head of the Commonwealth.'
After the National Anthem had been sung Mr Cameron gave a reading from the Bible, from the first book of Kings chapter 1 verses 32 to 40.
The Prime Minister told the congregation how King David named his son Solomon as his heir and how the new King was proclaimed monarch by the people.
During the Queen's coronation she was anointed with oil and a flask containing the liquid was carried through the Abbey and placed on the altar by the dean.
Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma gave the second Bible reading from Mark chapter 10, verses 35-45 about how some of Jesus' disciples asked him if they could sit on his left and right hand.
As the Queen arrived, already seated in the abbey were senior members of the Queen's family from the Duke of Cambridge and his heavily pregnant wife Kate to Prince Harry and the Duke of York and his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Also present were the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their daughter Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence,
Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn, Zara Phillips and her husband the former England rugby international Mike Tindall.
Among the minor royals were the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
Royal arrival: The Queen, with her husband Prince Philip behind her (right image) arrives at Westminster Abbey this morning. He was taken ill yesterday and was forced to miss an engagement - but was fit enough for the commemorative service today
Lining the streets: Well wishers wait outside Westminster Abbey ahead of a service of celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation
Celebration: A patriotic man wearing a crown and a similarly flamboyant woman wearing a union flag headscarf wait outside Westminster Abbey in the June sunshine
Royal arrival: The majestic St Edward's Crown - with which the Queen was crowned arrives at Westminster Abbey today. It is the first time it has left the Tower of London since the Coronation in 1953. It will sit on the Altar during the service but will not be worn
Royal arrival: Prince Charles (right) and his wife Camilla (left) head into Westminster Abbey this morning at the start of the service
Sixty year reign: The Queen, sitting with her husband Prince Philip who was forced to miss an event yesterday because of illness, arrive at Westminster Abbey today in their chauffeur-driven vehicle
Wave: Fit enough to attend after being taken ill yesterday, Prince Philip waves to the crowd as the Queen's chauffeur-driven car arrives at Westminster Abbey
The formal service was divided into the Recognition, Anointing, Homage and Thanksgiving, reflecting parts of the original Coronation ceremony.
The majestic St Edward’s Crown - with which the Queen was crowned - was rested on the High Altar - the first time the heavy, solid gold, jewel encrusted crown has left the Tower of London since the 1953 coronation.
The Ampulla, the gold, eagle shaped bottle from which the holy oil was poured for the anointing - the most sacred part of the coronation - also stood on the altar.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby gave the main address and told the congregation: 'We live in a hierarchy of liberty under authority that ascends to God's limitless love.'
He went on to say: 'A nation that crowns its head of state with such a model of liberty under authority expresses commitment to the same glorious values for itself.'
The Archbishop made reference to the death of Drummer Lee Rigby highlighting the efforts of members of the public, like Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, who went to the aid of the fatally wounded soldier, and the actions of the police officers who responded to the incident.
He said: 'When we obey God's call, whoever we are, leading Government or quietly serving our local community, we establish a country that is open-handed and open-hearted, serving others with joy.
'In such service we become Britain at its best. We know how to celebrate - as again last year in the Olympics.
'We know how to comfort and grieve - as on the streets of Woolwich, in the courage of passers-by and police.'
The Archbishop singled out one element from the 1953 ceremony, telling the guests how the Queen was handed the sword of state.
He read some of the words from the coronation that described the role expected of the new monarch, who should use the sword to 'do justice' and 'help defend widows and orphans'.
'The symbols and words point us to our deepest understanding of the nature of power, which is found neither in pomp and circumstance nor in public displays but in radical commitment, single-minded devotion and servant leadership,' said the Archbishop.
History: A smiling Prince Philip watches on after Queen Elizabeth II is crowned in Westminster Abbey 60 years ago, in 1953
Amazing: The historic event on June 2, 1953, was the first Coronation to be broadcast live on television and was watched by 27million people
Listening intently were the Queen's family led by the Duke of Edinburgh, who last night had pulled out of a royal engagement with the monarch after feeling under the weather, but appeared in good spirits.
Seated close by were the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Duke of Cambridge and his heavily pregnant wife Kate and Prince Harry.
The celebration service was divided into the Recognition, Anointing, Homage and Thanksgiving, reflecting parts of the original Coronation ceremony.
The service began with a form of the Recognition - where the Queen's 60 years of service was recognised.
The Dean of Westminster told the congregation: 'Sixty years ago, in this holy place, Queen Elizabeth II was anointed with holy oil, clothed with sacred garments, and, after receiving symbols of authority, crowned with the Crown of St Edward, King and Confessor, just as Her Majesty's royal predecessors from 1066.'
The majestic St Edward's Crown had been placed on the High Altar, close to the Queen's seat - the first time it had left the Tower of London since the 1953 coronation.
New monarchs are anointed with holy oil and the Ampulla, the gold, eagle shaped bottle which holds the liquid, was also on the altar.
A flask of aromatic oil - taken from the same batch made for the Queen's coronation - was processed through the Abbey, carried by representatives of the people of the UK, and placed by the Dean of Westminster on the Altar.
The Queen leaves, with her order of service in hand, before moving on to a private lunch with Prince Philip for one hundred guests including family
Procession: The leading members of the Royal family are led away up the aisle by the Queen after the service had ended
Respectful: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry all looked serious as they began to leave the Abbey today
Watching on: Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour Party leader Ed Miliband watched as William and a smiling Kate leave the historic service
Look: A serious Ed Miliband stares into the camera while David Cameron reads, but the pair appeared to have little to say to eachother
Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy had written a poem for the celebratory service called The Thorne, but it focused on the emblem of Kings and Queens - the crown.
Duffy's short poem, read by actress Claire Skinner, represented the coronation's Homage element and concentrated on the burden and gift that the crown represents for the Queen - 'one head alone can know its weight'.
Music was an integral part of the Queen's crowning and for today's service the Thanksgiving was represented by the hymn - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation.
After the ceremony the Queen and members of her family, who had attended the service, made the short journey to College Hall, the 14th century medieval Abbot's dining Hall, for lunch with the Dean and the Chapter of Westminster.
60th anniversary: The Queen, left, emerges from the church after the service. Right Mike Tindall can be seen standing close to his wife Zara Phillips
The Queen, left, walks out of Westminster Abbey, while Kate Middleton (right) talks to Prince William's cousin Zara Phillips outside the church
With her husband Mike Tindall in the background talking to Prince Harry, Zara Phillips chats with Kate and her husband Prince William outside Westminster Abbey
Royal get together: Prince William, Kate and Zara Philips talk outside Westminster Abbey this morning after the service
Pregnant: The Duchess of Cambridge, who is due to give birth in just over a month, leaves the church with husband Prince William this morning. They will attend the private lunch afterwards
Royal get-together: Kate speaks to William's cousin Zara Philips outside Westminster Abbey (right), while the Queen (right image) talks to the Dean of Westminster as she leaves
Look of shock: The Duchess of Cambridge leaves Westminster Abbey today after the service
Extended family: Autumn Phillips, left, the wife of Peter Phillips who is the only son of Princess Anne. Lady Louise Windsor, right, daughter of Sophie Wessex and Andrew
Family: Katharine, Duchess of Kent, with husband Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, outside Westminster Abbey following the service this morning
Meeting: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge speak to the Dean of Westminster (in yellow) as the Royal family leave Westminster Abbey today
Departure: Prince Harry talks to Zara Phillips as they leave Westminster Abbey this morning following the service. Princess Anne can be seen (right), while Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are walking away (left)
Prince William and Kate are seen leaving Westminster Abbey this morning after the service to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation
Family departure: Prince Andrew, left, Prince William, Princess Eugenie, the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles (front), Camilla and Prince Harry are seen leaving the church
Royals: Members of the royal family including Prince William, (Centre l) his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, (centre) and William's cousin Zara Phillips (centre r) gather outside Westminster Abbey
Departure: Prince Harry (left), Prince William and Kate Middleton are seen leaving Westminster Abbey today
Big smiles: The Duchess of Cambridge, left, outside Westminster Abbey and the Queen, right, both grin outside the church today
Young family member: Lady Louise Windsor looks out of a car window as she leaves the celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation
Prince William (left), his wife the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince harry (right) depart Westminster Abbey following a Service of Celebration
Royal wave: The Duchess of Cambridge waves to the crowds as she is driven with husband Prince William to a private lunch after the church service at Westminster Abbey today
In 1953, more than 8,200 guests witnessed the historic proceedings in the Abbey and an estimated 27 million people in Britain watched the events unfold on television.
Last year’s Diamond Jubilee was the focal point for national celebrations for the Queen’s accession, with a river pageant down the Thames involving a flotilla of 1,000 boats, a concert in front of Buckingham Palace and a traditional service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation is a more low-key affair, with commemorations focusing on the Abbey service.
Outside the Abbey: Prince Harry leaves the church following the service (left) while Autumn Phillips, the wife of Peter Phillips is pictured right
Princess Beatrice waves to the crowds as she is driven away from Westminster Abbey and taken to the private lunch for members of the Royal family afterwards
Princess Eugenie, left, Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of Sophie Wessex and Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice seen outside Westminster Abbey
Political representatives: Labour leader Ed Miliband, left, and Prime Minister David Cameron outside Westminster Abbey after the event
Enjoying the sun: The Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, (left) and Peter Phillips and Autumn Phillips (right) stand outside the Abbey
Departure: The Royal family leave Westminster Abbey today following the service to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation
In the summer, a four-day Coronation Festival is being held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace from July 11 to July 14, organised by the Royal Warrant Holders Association.
Galas in the evening will include performances by Katherine Jenkins, Russell Watson, Katie Melua and The Feeling.
For its annual summer opening this year, Buckingham Palace will stage a special exhibition dedicated to the coronation and display the outfits worn by the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.
Amid the celebrations, the royals are awaiting the arrival of William and Kate’s baby - a future king or queen - which is due in mid July.
Spectacular: Members of the Honourable Artillery Company fire a 62-round Royal Salute from Gun Wharf at the Tower of London this morning to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation. It was fired yesterday
Wellwishers gather in London for the service to mark 60 years after the Queen's Coronation in 1953
Back at Westminster Abbey: A former media runner for the Press Association, Alex Falk, who worked outside the Abbey on the day of the Queen's Coronation
Onlookers: This group of wellwishers at the Westminster School take photographs today
The Queen and Prince Phillp after her Coronation wave to the huge crowds. The celebrations this year are far more low-key
Magical: The procession of Queen Elizabeth II approaches the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey, on the way out after the Coronation service
RETURNING TO THE ABBEY: ST EDWARD'S CROWN ON DISPLAY IN WESTMINSTER FOR FIRST TIME IN 60 YEARS
The Queen will once again be close to the St Edward’s Crown at Westminster Abbey – for the first time since her coronation 60 years ago.
It has been worn by Kings and Queens at the Abbey for the last 350 years but has not left the Tower of London for six decades.
Today the solid gold, jewel encrusted priceless crown will be placed on the Altar in the Abbey, on a day rich in symbolism.
Security will be tight as it is taken the short distance from the Tower to the Abbey and officials have refused to confirm when it would happen.
Weighing 2.23kg (nearly 5lb), the St Edward's Crown is the heaviest crown in the collection of Crown Jewels.
In 1953, Dr Geoffrey Fisher raised it aloft and placed it on the monarch's head. ‘By a glance she indicated it was steady,’ he later recalled.
It is set with tourmalines, white and yellow topazes, rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, peridot, zircons, spinel, and aquamarines, step-cut and rose-cut and mounted in enamelled gold collets, and with a velvet cap with an ermine band. In total, it has 444 jewels.
The crown was made for the coronation of Charles II in 1661 and was a replacement for the medieval crown which was melted down on the orders of Oliver Cromwell in 1649.
During the most sacred part of the service, the Queen was anointed as monarch while sitting in King Edward’s Chair, where a thousand years of monarchs have sworn their oaths to God and made promises to their peoples. The Prime Minister then was Winston Churchill.
Today the Ampulla, the gold, eagle shaped bottle from which the holy oil was poured for the anointing will also be moved from the Tower to rest on the Altar alongside the crown.
The Ampulla, the gold, eagle shaped bottle from which the holy oil was poured for the anointing - the most sacred part of the coronation - will also be moved from the Tower to rest on the Altar.
In 1953, the Queen's Coronation service began at 11.15am and lasted almost three hours, concluding at 2pm.
An estimated 27 million people in Britain huddled round early small black and white television sets and a further 11 million listened on the radio.
The Queen's Coronation dress was made by Mr Norman Hartnell from white satin embroidered with the emblems of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
THE ORDER OF SERVICE AT THE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF HER MAJESTY'S CORONATION
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, holds the order of service outside Westminster Abbey today
Opening Hymn: I was glad
The National Anthem
First Reading: Prime Minister David Cameron read KINGS 1: 32-40
The Anointing: A flask of oil is brought to the Sacrarium, where it was received by the Archbishop of Canterbury and given to the Dean to place on the Altar while then choir sang The Motet.
Second Reading: Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary-General, read St Mark 10: 35-45
Hymn: All people that on earth do well
The Address: Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby spoke
Prayers by The Most Reverend George Stack, Archbishop of Cardiff, The Very Reverend Dr John Cairns, Dean, Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, Scotland, The Reverend Michael Macey, Minor Canon and Precentor of Westminster.
Claire Skinner, actress, read from St George’s Chapel, beside the Coronation Chair
Carol Ann Duffy CBE FRSL, Poet Laureate, read a specially written poem for the Service
The Thanksgiving
Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Lobe den Herren 440 NEH Joachim Neander (1650-80) Praxis pietatis melica 1668 translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827-78) and Rupert Davies (1909-94)
The blessing
Hymn: Te Deum Laudamus
William Walton's Crown Imperial was performed
Music after the Service: Pomp and Circumstance March no 4 in G Op 39 Edward Elgar
The bells of the Abbey Church were rung
Westminster Abbey Company of Ringers, conducted by David Hilling, rang a Coronation Sixtieth Anniversary celebratory peal of London Surprise Royal comprising 5060 changes.
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