Why this weekend’s significant milestone will be tinged with heartbreak for the Queen
February 6 holds a lot of memories for the monarch

The Queen is set to reach another huge milestone this Saturday as February 6 marks the 69th year since she first ascended to the throne.
- February 6 is the 69th anniversary of the Queen’s ascension to the throne.
- However, it also marks a heartbreaking moment, as this was also the date her father, King George VI, passed away.
- In other Royal News, the most expensive piece of British Royal Family jewelry ever has been revealed.
Queen Elizabeth II is already Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, having surpassed the reign length of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, back in 2015. She was crowned in a spectacular ceremony at Westminster Abbey in June 1953. And whilst many might have imagined this marked the start of the Queen’s reign, they would be wrong.
Though this huge public occasion was the official coronation, the Queen actually became the monarch of the United Kingdom a year earlier.
In February 1952, the then-Princess Elizabeth received the news that her beloved father, King George VI, had passed away.
More from woman&home:
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
It’s been reported that Princess Elizabeth first heard about her father’s death whilst on a trip to Kenya in 1952.
She and Prince Philip had supposedly been due to travel to Australia and New Zealand, however, the tour was cancelled and they returned home to the UK in light of the devastating family news.
How does the Queen usually mark this heartbreaking anniversary?
It’s understood that the Queen traditionally pays tribute to her late father on this sad day at Sandringham House where King George VI reportedly passed away in his sleep. The monarch usually travels to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk for Christmas, celebrating the festivities there, before returning to Buckingham Palace after this date February.
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
Though traditionally it’s seen as bad luck for festive decorations to stay up past January 5, it’s thought that the Queen leaves hers up until after this poignant anniversary. This year due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the Queen and Prince Philip chose to remain at Windsor Castle and celebrate Christmas there.
As a result of the current UK lockdown restrictions, the Queen will sadly not be able to mark this moving anniversary at Sandringham as usual.
Though it seems likely that Her Majesty will still pay tribute to her late father in another heartfelt way this Saturday.
-
-
Who is in the Unforgotten series 4 cast and what can we expect from the new series of the ITV drama?
The fourth series of the ITV drama Unforgotten finally returns tonight
By Laura Harman •
-
Olivia Munn just shared her go-to skincare products, including a $6 body scrub
We love a celebrity beauty recommendation, especially when it's as affordable as this one from Olivia Munn
By Lucy Abbersteen •
-
Who is in the Unforgotten series 4 cast and what can we expect from the new series of the ITV drama?
The fourth series of the ITV drama Unforgotten finally returns tonight
By Laura Harman •
-
Why Cameron Diaz has quit acting for good
The Hollywood actress admits she's retired from the big screen
By Selina Maycock •
-
Watch Married At First Sight Australia: How to watch season 7 of the show online
How to watch Married At First Sight Australia season 7 online, plus the latest on who is still together and where they are now...
By Rachael Martin •
-
Woody Allen sexual abuse allegations to be told through the eyes of adopted daughter Dylan Farrow in haunting HBO documentary
Woody Allen sexual abuse allegations feature in HBO documentary Allen v. Farrow
By Selina Maycock •
-
Louise Redknapp opens up about suicidal thoughts after split from ex-husband Jamie Redknapp
Louise Redknapp reveals her mental health struggles following her divorce in 2017
By Laura Harman •
-
Piers Morgan has been accused of bullying a former employee in an open letter to ITV
ITV has been called to investigate Piers Morgan's alleged misconduct, following his offensive online comments to a former employee
By Emma Dooney •
-
The alternative ending to Titanic is going viral for all the wrong reasons
A potential Titanic ending has resurfaced and fans hate it
By Laura Harman •
-
The life-sized playhouse at the Royal Lodge in Windsor that the Queen’s great-grandchildren will play in – see pictures
The perfect playhouse for all nine of the Queen’s great-grandchildren
By Laura Harman •