"The atmosphere was electric as the future queen entered. There was a big procession behind the wonderful golden coach, something I will always remember.

After that, the crowds made their way to Buckingham Palace to see the Royal Family on the balcony. There were R.A.F. planes flying overhead. Everyone was waving. It was wonderful. Then to get out of the crowds was near impossible. So we laughed our way through, and tried to stick together.”

Dulcie, Leicester

"Only one family on our road had a TV so the whole road crowded into their living room to watch. Some people watched from outside through the open window! I can clearly remember the excitement and the wonderful spectacle of the carriage and the guardsmen on horseback with the crowds lining the route and waving flags. All in black and white, of course!"

Stephanie, Redhill

"The party was set out for us in endless tables stacked with goodies that forgot all the stringencies of recent rationing… where did all the tables and chairs come from? Plates, dishes and trays abounded – meat paste sandwiches, the beloved spam, ham and corned beef, jellies and trifles, cakes galore – many of which I identified as “My Mam’s” production!”

Bob, Penrith

"We could clearly see our beautiful young Queen, high up in her golden coach, but almost every other carriage had its hood up due to the rain.

One memorable exception was the carriage bearing Queen Salote of Tonga. Wearing a scarlet dress and energetically waving both arms high in the air, she was clearly enjoying every moment! She immediately became quite a heroine to all the spectators and received a renewed burst of loud cheering.”

Anne, Telford