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06/02/1952:  "The King is Dead.....God Save the Queen"

Those were the Headlines 70 years ago today.Hasn't the former Princess Elizabeth done well?Within a few days..as Queen,she was passing down Chiswick High Road on her return from a holiday in Kenya (via Heathrow Airport).

Jim Lawes ● 1691d7 Comments

"The King's died and stopped the radio".  I didn't fully appreciate this much retold announcement by a small child until I heard the other day that the BBC actually went off the air for the rest of the day following the official announcement.

Philippa Bond ● 1691d

I remember that Wednesday morning and the rumours at school about the King's death.  But with no mobile phones or internet or even portable radios, how did we know if the rumours were true?  Then at lunchtime we went out to the playground and realised the truth:  the Union Jack was at half mast on the school flagpole.

Richard Jennings ● 1690d

I remember that in the cubs we had to re-learn the National Anthem and sing 'God save our gracious queen' instead of 'God save our gracious king'. It seemed very strange.

Colin Jordan ● 1690d

Her Majesty became Queen at the age of 26. What a responsibility!I was at Staveley Road Secondary Modern School at the time. I cannot remember how the announcement of King George VI's death was announced to us..but we were sent home.As was usual for me I called in at Lusbys Bakery on Fauconberg Road for my daily cream bun.. and told the few customers there of the breaking news. They were astounded. It was my first performance at media!

Jim Lawes ● 1690d

It was the day of my uncle Wilf's funeral and I skipped afternoon lectures to attend. In the city centre of Leeds the two local papers had 'The King is Dead' and 'Death of the King' on the placards, so I arrived at the house before anyone else knew about it, though as others arrived, they spread the word. It was my first time at a funeral, and I have always remembered it.

Arnold Saxton ● 1690d

Just a thought..when did Royalty last have an appointment in the Borough of Brentford and Chiswick?Prior to becoming King George VI,George as Prince of Wales,  accompanied his father to open the new Civil Service Sports Ground on Dukes Meadows in around 1925.More recently HM THE Queen visited the University of West London (on Boston Manor Road)...to open a new faculty.Otherwise Royalty are just passing through!Just remembered..the Queen celebrated her 90th with a family function at Kew..a palace viewable from the Watermans Art Centre.

Jim Lawes ● 1690d

"Prior to becoming King George VI, George as Prince of Wales,  accompanied his father to open the new Civil Service Sports Ground on Dukes Meadows in around 1925."A small correction, Jim:  At the opening which I think was in 1926, King George V was accompanied by his second son Prince Albert, Duke of York, later to become King George VI.  In 1926, the Prince of Wales was the future King Edward VIII.

Richard Jennings ● 1690d