'The King Is Dead' : How Princess Elizabeth And The Nation Heard Of The Monarchs Passing.

It is 60 years since Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne, a date which marks a defining era in British history. Though the milestone is a reminder of the Queen’s long reign, it is also an opportunity to look back at the nation in mourning after the death of her father, King George VI.

George VI, revered for his conduct as the British monarch through dark days of the Second World War, died in his sleep having suffered from lung cancer. The King had said goodbye to his daughter for the last time a week before his death, as the Princess set off with Prince Philip to tour Australia. Stopping off at Kenya along the way, the pair heard of the King’s death on 6 February 1952. They returned home the day after the shock announcement, with new Queen Elizabeth II stepping off the plane at London Airport dressed in black.
Mourners lined the streets outside Buckingham Palace after an official statement was given from Sandringham at 10:45am, with similar images seen across the country.

Headlines simply stated 'The King Is Dead'- no embellishment needed for the grave announcement. The Cabinet assembled as Winston Churchill was informed of George VI's death, the Prime Minister later stating that, "We cannot at this moment do more than record the spontaneous expression of grief."

Churchill was later pictured with anguish as he left the Accession Council meeting, automatically summoned on the death of the King. The Prime Minister's sombre mood reflected that of fellow politicians who joined in mourning of the monarch- Leader of the Opposition Clement Attlee suspending party debate on foreign policy as a mark of respect. Attlee, leaving the Accession Council, is seen visibly shaken by the news.

Though politicians and family members close to George VI knew of his ailing health, the British public were more taken back by the news which had come suddenly on a damp February. Despite the knowledge that the King's health was declining daily, the Royal Family will still dealt a massive blow when he was found dead in bed by a servant. The new Queen, pictured below returning to Clarence House from London Airport, showed rare glimpses of sorrow as she digested the news with Prince Phillip.

The Queen's Proclamation of Accession was read two days after in various locations across the UK, with huge crowds gathering predominantly in London. With that the Queen was officially sworn in, full coronation coming for Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June. A new monarch for Britain, still reigning 60 years on.