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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Grace Hoffman

Why Princess Anne wasn’t allowed to attend Queen’s coronation, but Charles was

Little did Prince Charles know that in June 1953, he would be making history as he attended the momentous day of his mother's celebratory Coronation.

The Queen donned fancy robes and a priceless crown for the special day all those years ago - knowing she was entering the history books.

The Prince of Wales made history himself on the day for being the first child to witness their mother's coronation as Sovereign.

His sister, Princess Anne - who was just two years old at the time - was not allowed as she was considered too young.

Despite not receiving a special invite like her brother, she seemingly didn't miss out on much according to photographed Prince Charles - who was looking rather bored during the ceremony.

Prince Charles look a little bored at the historic Coronation (GETTY)

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He was snapped standing in the middle of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Rose in the royal box at Westminster Abbey.

During an episode of the Royal Rota podcast, ITV News royal editor Chris Ship and Lizzie Robinson discussed the historic day and Prince Charles' reaction to the three-hour long service.

"There are some really nice details about the Queen’s coronation," she said.

"Prince Charles was the first child to witness his mother’s coronation.

"He was only young at the time and there are pictures of him looking slightly bored."

Mr Ship added: "He had basically had enough of the three-hour service."

Ms Robinson replied: "Yes three hours, it was a very long service.

"It was also the first coronation to be televised and I think around 27 million people tuned in to see that moment."

Prince Charles had received a special invite to attend his mother's Coronation ceremony (Getty Images)

With such an incredible day to attend - it was only fitting that an equally-spectacular invitation be sent out to guests.

The royal family announced that back in 1953, Prince Charles received a special invite for his mother's ceremony - made up of a specially hand-painted and child-friendly invitation to the ceremony.

It included British guards playing instruments in their traditional bearskin hats, a cartoon lion, unicorn, and symbols of the Queen's royal coat of arms.

The invitation included a date and read: "By Command of The Queen the Earl Marshal is directed to invite His Royal Highness Prince Charles to the Coronation."

Princess Anne was allowed to join for the balcony ceremony (PA)

Despite not being able to sit in on the actual ceremony, Princess Anne was able to join the traditional balcony celebrations aside her sibling.

Prince Charles had visibly perked up as he waved to well-wishers and watched the Royal Air Force flypast over the Mall.

The family looked up at the time on one hundred and sixty eight fighter jets were fly over the Palace in the Royal Air Force Salute to Her Majesty.

The Monarch is set to celebrate her incredible 70-year reign with her Platinum Jubilee next weekend, and the excitement is growing.

Thursday, 2 June will kick-start the celebrations of a four-day extravaganza.

Have you met the Queen? We would love to hear your royal story! Email podsavethequeen@trinitymirror.com.

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