History repeating: the 2023 Coronation guests who were in attendance at Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years ago

The days leading into the coronation of King Charles III are rolling in quicker now as we’re midway through April. We’ve now officially handled the business of Harry attending the historic event, along with Fergie gaining a consolation prize earning VIP status at the King’s Coronation Concert and The Dorchester in London are dusting off the very same decorations that were used to adorn the hotel during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. 

But those decorations aren’t the only things present during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 70 years ago, and before you include the carriage that King Charles and Queen Camilla will make their procession in or the litany of crowns and royal items available for the pair to wear on this hallowed occasion, perhaps have a think if anyone who attended the previous coronation will be attending this time around.

“That’s so long ago,” I hear you reply. But believe it or not, there are actually four individuals that will be attending to see King Charles be crowned King of England that were also present during the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II many years ago - before the advent of TikTok, Instagram, Social Media and, heaven forbid, mobile phones. Three of which are part of the same lineage of Royal bloodline, and one of which in the carriage itself when Queen Elizabeth II undertook her procession after her ascension. 

As King Charles III prepares to ascend to the throne and be crowned in a historic ceremony, it is fitting that these members of the royal family who were present at the last coronation will be in attendance. Their experience and knowledge of such a momentous occasion will surely be an asset to the current generation of royals, offering guidance during rehearsals and even on the big day how to act accordingly. 

So who are the four attendees at this coronation who were present for the last ascension to the throne all those years ago? And how dashing is one of them still to this day, all things considered? 

Princess Alexandra, Duchess of Kent

Princess Alexandra (also known as Lady Ogilvy) is the granddaughter of King George V and Queen Mary. She was born on Christmas Day in 1936 at Belgrave Square, London, making her 17 when she was spotted side-by-side with Queen Elizabeth in the Royal carriage during her procession. 

She is the only daughter of Prince George, Duke of Kent and his wife Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark and her father was the younger brother of King George VI and her mother was the daughter of Prince Nicholas of Greece and Denmark and Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna of Russia.

She was educated at Heathfield School in Ascot and then went on to study at a finishing school in Paris. After completing her studies, she worked for a number of charitable organisations and was also a volunteer nurse in the British Red Cross during the 1950s. She has been the patron of more than 100 organisations and is particularly interested in music and the arts, as well as health and welfare issues. Princess Alexandra has never married and has no children.

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, is the first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and the eldest son of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. He has two younger siblings, Princess Alexandra and Prince Michael of Kent, who also happened to be present at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.

The Duke of Kent is known for his work in supporting several charities and organisations. He is the president of the British Red Cross Society and a member of the International Olympic Committee, having played a key role in bringing the 2012 Olympic Games to London. He is also involved in the world of music and is the patron of several music-related organisations, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Opera House. 

The Duke of Kent is married to Katharine Worsley and has three children, George Windsor, Earl of St. Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.

Prince Michael of Kent

The dashing third son of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and his wife, Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. His father was the younger brother of King George VI, making Prince Michael a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.

Prince Michael was educated at Eton College and then served in the British Army, seeing active service in Germany and Hong Kong. After leaving the army, he pursued a career in finance, working for several firms before becoming a director of a merchant bank. He also holds several honorary military appointments, including Honorary Air Commodore of 601 (County of London) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

In 1978, Prince Michael married Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz, who took the title Princess Michael of Kent. The couple has two children, Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Gabriella Windsor. Prince Michael is known for his charitable work and has been involved with many organisations over the years, including the British Red Cross Society and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. 

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester

The youngest son of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, Prince Richard had an older brother, Prince William of Gloucester, but died in a plane crash in 1972. The Duke of Gloucester is married to Birgitte van Deurs, whom he met while she was working at the Danish Embassy in London and has three children: Alexander, Davina, and Rose.

Prince Richard was unsurprisingly also educated at Eton College and Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he studied architecture. After completing his studies, he worked as an architect in London for several years before joining the diplomatic service in 1969. He served in various diplomatic roles in Europe and Africa before resigning in 1972 to take up royal duties full-time following the death of his brother.

As a working member of the royal family, Prince Richard has carried out numerous official engagements and represented the Queen at various events both domestically and internationally. He has a particular interest in architecture and conservation and is patron of several charities in this field. He is also involved in various charities that support the armed forces, education, and healthcare.