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The Queen was only 25 years old when her father, George VI, died suddenly, making her the new Queen.
The then Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya with Prince Philip and a team of staff at the time, and her husband had the heartbreaking job of breaking the news to her.
Not only did the young princess have to come to terms with the loss of her father, but she also had to come to terms with the fact that she was now the Monarch, something that would completely change every aspect of her life.
But moments after receiving the life-changing news, the future Queen reached out to the staff and apologized to them.
(Image: Getty Images)
Recalling the heartbreaking day of February 6, 1952, Elizabeth’s maid of honor Pamela Mountbatten says her boss was “completely calm.
The royal couple and their staff were in Kenya at the time, but the unexpected tragedy meant that the princess had to return home immediately to take care of the arrangements and begin her role as monarch.
Writing in her memoir Daughter Of Empire, she says: “She remained completely calm and said simply, ‘I’m so sorry. This means we all have to go home.’
(Image: Getty Images)
The team got to work planning their hasty journey back to Britain on the BOAC Royal Argonaut, which had to be delayed for several hours due to a storm.
Ever mindful of her public duty, Elizabeth spoke immediately about the practicalities of her return to England.
But he also asked for an hour alone in his room.
They traveled back to London on the BOAC Royal Argonaut, stopping to refuel in Libya.
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His staff also realized that his mourning attire had already been flown to the next stop on his royal tour.
When the actual plane landed in London, a black dress was brought on board for her to change before going out in full view of the press and public.
The queen returned in mourning to meet dignitaries, including Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
His coronation took place the following year and was the first to be televised.
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