Elizabeth II never laid down the heavy weight of the crown
Britain’s longest-serving monarch died on September 8th, aged 96
For the millions who watched on June 2nd 1953—for it was the first time in history that a British coronation had been televised—the most moving part of the ceremony came near the end. It was then that the imperial state crown, encrusted with 2,868 diamonds and weighing more than a kilogram, was placed on the pretty, dark and fragile head of Elizabeth Windsor, proclaiming her, in the eyes of all, Queen Elizabeth II.
This article appeared in the Obituary section of the print edition under the headline “The weight of duty”
Obituary September 17th 2022
From the September 17th 2022 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Obituary
Peter Fenwick became the world expert on near-death experiences
The neuropsychiatrist and promoter of “the art of dying” died on November 22nd, aged 89
Chiung Yao taught the Chinese all about romantic love
The bestselling novelist and screenwriter died on December 4th, aged 86
Jimmy Carter was perhaps the most virtuous of all America’s presidents
The humble peanut farmer who went to the White House died on December 29th, aged 100
Brother Harold Palmer lived alone in the wilds by choice
The Northumbrian hermit died on October 4th, aged 93
Shalom Nagar was picked by lottery to kill Adolf Eichmann
The Israeli prison officer turned ritual slaughterer died on November 26th, aged 88
John Kinsel used his own language to fool the Japanese
One of the last Navajo code-talkers died on October 19th, aged 107