Queen Elizabeth II Coronated in Grand London Ceremony

HT's report on crowning of Queen Elizabeth II in a monumental event watched by the world

- HT Correspondent

LONDON: The bells of London pealed and the guns thundered to salute the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II.

A great concourse in Westminster Abbey cried "God save the Queen" as they watched the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Geoffrey Fisher, place on her head St. Edward's Crown, the symbol of the British monarchy. Outside, beneath grey skies, the cry was taken up by millions who had watched her progress to the ancient Abbey and waited to see her emerge again as the crowned Queen.

Later, the Queen thanked her people for their "loyalty and affection."

She ended a worldwide broadcast on her Coronation Day with these words: "As this day draws to its close, I know that my abiding memory of it will be not only the solemnity and beauty of the ceremony but the inspiration of your loyalty and affection."

"I thank you from a full heart. God bless you all."

Earlier, she pledged: "Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust."