Hong Kong year 1937 stamps Coronation – Full Set SG137/139 MLH

Hong Kong year 1937 stamps Coronation – Full Set SG137/139 MLH

King George VI’s coronation took place on May 12, 1937, at Westminster Abbey in London. Here are some key details about this event:

1. Succession: King George VI ascended to the throne following the abdication of his older brother, King Edward VIII, in December 1936. Edward’s abdication was due to his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée, which was controversial at the time.
2. Preparation: The coronation of King George VI was a significant event, coming at a time of economic hardship and political uncertainty in Europe. The ceremony was carefully planned and conducted with all the pomp and tradition befitting a royal occasion.
3. Ceremony: The coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey followed centuries-old traditions and rituals associated with the British monarchy. King George VI was crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Gordon Lang, using the traditional regalia, including the Crown Jewels.
4. Broadcast: Unlike previous coronations, King George VI’s coronation was broadcast on radio, allowing millions of people around the world to listen to the ceremony in real-time. It was one of the first major royal events to be broadcast in this way and marked a significant development in media technology.
5. Public Celebrations: The coronation was accompanied by widespread celebrations throughout the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, including street parties, parades, and fireworks displays. It was seen as a moment of national unity and pride, coming at a time of economic hardship and political uncertainty.
6. Reign: King George VI’s reign was marked by significant events, including World War II and the subsequent decolonization of the British Empire. He was succeeded by his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1952.

Overall, King George VI’s coronation in 1937 was a historic and memorable event, symbolizing continuity and stability in a time of change and uncertainty. It remains an important milestone in British royal history.