Read Queen Victoria's account of most amazing spectacle on earth with King's ... trends now
As King Charles makes preparations for his Coronation, he could do well to learn from the experience of his great-great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, on her own big day 185 years ago. She kept a meticulous daily diary for most of her life, starting at the age of 13. In total, 141 volumes survive, numbering 43,765 pages, including this entry for her Coronation Day, June 28, 1838…
I was awoke at four o’clock by the guns in the Park, and could not get much sleep afterwards on account of the noise of the people and bands. Got up at 7 feeling strong and well; the Park presented a curious spectacle; crowds of people up to Constitution Hill.
I dressed, having taken a little breakfast before, and a little after.
At ½ p. 9 I went into the next room dressed exactly in my House of Lords costume; and met Uncle Ernest [the King of Hanover], Lady Lansdowne, Lady Normanby [both Ladies of the Bedchamber] etc all in their robes.
At 10 I got into the State Coach with the Duchess of Sutherland [Mistress of the Robes] and Lord Albemarle [Master of the Horse], and we began our Progress.
Jenna Coleman as the Queen in the TV series Victoria
Queen Victoria receiving the Sacrament at Her Coronation on June 28, 1938. By painter Leslie Charles Robert
It was a fine day; and the crowds of people exceeded what I have ever seen; multitudes – millions of my loyal subjects who were assembled in every spot to witness the Procession. Their good-humour and excessive loyalty was beyond everything, and I really cannot say how proud I feel to be the Queen of such a Nation.
I was alarmed at times for fear that the people would be crushed and squeezed on account of the tremendous rush and pressure.
I reached Westminster Abbey amid deafening cheers at a little after ½ p. 11.
I first went into a robing-room quite close to the entrance, where I found my eight Train-bearers: all dressed alike and beautifully, in white satin and silver tissue, with wreaths of silver corn-ears in front, and a small one of pink roses round the plait behind, and pink roses in the trimming of the dresses. After putting on my Mantle, and the young ladies having properly got hold of it, I left the robing-room and the Procession began.
The altar in St Edward's Chapel was covered in sandwiches
The sight was splendid; the bank of Peeresses quite beautiful, all in their robes, and the Peers on the other side. The Bishop of Durham stood on one side near me, but he was, as Lord Melbourne [the Prime Minister] had told me, remarkably ‘maladroit’, and never could tell me what was to take place.
At the beginning of the Anthem, I retired to St Edward’s Chapel, a dark small place immediately behind the Altar, with my Ladies, and Train-bearers; took off my crimson robe and kirtle [tunic] and put on the Supertunica of Cloth of Gold, which was put over a singular sort of little gown of linen trimmed with lace. I also took off my circlet of diamonds, and then proceeded bare-headed into the Abbey.
I was then seated upon St Edward’s chair, where the Dalmatic robe [a liturgical vestment] was clasped round me by the Lord Great Chamberlain. Then followed all the various things; and last (of those things) the Crown being placed on my head; which was, I must own, a most beautiful impressive moment.
My excellent Lord Melbourne, who stood very close to me throughout the whole ceremony, was completely overcome at this moment, and very much affected; he gave me such a kind, and I may say, fatherly look.
Soldiers from various infantry and cavalry regiments of the Indian Army seated with members of the British public on the Queen Victoria Memorial, the Mall, on the afternoon of the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth
The shouts, which were very great, the drums, the trumpets, the firing of the guns, all at the same instant, rendered the spectacle most imposing.
Poor old Lord Rolle who is 82, and dreadfully infirm, in attempting to ascend the steps, fell and rolled quite down, but was not the least hurt; when he attempted to re-ascend them, I got up and advanced to the end of the steps, in order to prevent another fall.
When Lord Melbourne’s turn to do Homage came, there was loud cheering; they also cheered the Duke of Wellington [victor at the 1815 Battle of Waterloo]; it’s a pretty ceremony; they first all touch the Crown, and then kiss my hand.
The Crown being placed on my head was, I must own, an impressive moment
When my good Lord Melbourne next knelt down and kissed my hand, he pressed my hand and I grasped his with all my heart, at which he looked up with his eyes filled with tears and seemed much touched, as he was, I observed, throughout the whole
