The Queen has revealed the ‘horrible’ journey to her coronation was marred by an uncomfortable golden coach and a heavy crown.
A new documentary offers an astonishing insight into the day millions crowded around radio sets and televisions to witness the crowning of the monarch on June 2 1953.
The Coronation will air on BBC One on Sunday, giving viewers the chance to see a more candid side of Her Majesty.
Nearly 65 years after she was crowned at Westminster Abbey, the monarch, 91, re-watches footage of her 25-year-old self in the Gold State Coach.
A new documentary offers an astonishing insight into the day millions crowded around radio sets and televisions to witness the crowning of the monarch on June 2 1953
Nearly 65 years after she was crowned at Westminster Abbey, the monarch, 91, re-watches footage of her 25-year-old self in the Gold State Coach (pictured)
The Coronation will air on BBC One on Sunday, giving viewers the chance to see a more candid side of Her Majesty
The service itself lasted nearly three hours after the couple left Buckingham Palace at exactly 10.26am
In the trailer she describes the ride as ‘horrible’ because of the lack of suspension.
She says: ‘It’s only sprung on leather. Not very comfortable.’
Despite her lack of enjoyment, the Queen endured a two-hour, four-and-a-half mile return journey from the abbey – to make sure her and the Duke of Edinburgh could wave to as many adoring subjects as possible.
She has also used it since – for her Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations.
It was commissioned in 1760, first used by George III and has been used at every coronation from George IV onwards.
The service itself lasted nearly three hours after the couple left Buckingham Palace at exactly 10.26am.
Later on in the trailer, the Queen discusses the Crown Jewels, which the documentary promises to showcase like never before.
Later on in the trailer, the Queen discusses the Crown Jewels (pictured), which it promises to showcase like never before
She says: ‘There are some disadvantages to the crowns, but otherwise, they’re quite important things.
‘I like the black prince ruby.’
Reflecting on her’s and her father’s George VI’s coronation, she adds: ‘I’ve seen one coronation and been recipient in the other, which is pretty remarkable.
‘It’s sort of, I suppose, the beginning of one’s life really, as a sovereign.’
The American trailer is longer than the 30-second one released by the BBC and also features a scene of a young Prince Charles and Princess Anne playing with her royal robe.
Presenter Alastair Bruce, who is an expert on the coronation and royal affairs, says: ‘Such fun for the children,’ to which the monarch replies: ‘Not what they’re meant to do.’
A royal source told The Daily Telegraph: ‘It’s a rare and often charming insight into Her Majesty’s personal recollections of the day.
‘We’ll let people watch the film as a whole in due course.’
A spokesman for Buckingham Palace told the newspaper: ‘In the programme, part of the Royal Collection season, the Queen reflects on various aspects of the Coronation ceremony and the significance of the Crown Jewels.’
Lasting an hour, The Coronation will air on BBC One on Sunday, January 14 at 8pm.
Lasting an hour, The Coronation will air on BBC One on Sunday, January 14 at 8pm