“I believe it will be a very long time indeed before those of us privileged to share in London’s Coronation festivities can look back on June 2nd without being deeply moved all over again,” wrote Kay Cannon about the fanfare around Queen Elizabeth II’s crowning ceremony in the August 1953 issue of the Canadian Geographical Journal.

Preparations for celebrations in London began almost a year in advance of the ceremony and included building stands for spectators along the procession route by Westminster Abbey and Royal Parks. In the week prior, Kensington Gardens “had become a city of canvas harbouring thousands of the troops [including Canadian regiments and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police] to take part in Coronation processions,” wrote Cannon, and rehearsals were held daily. While London was still reeling from the incredible devastation of the Second World War bombings almost a decade before, decorations and flags were placed over the damage and visitors from all over swarmed the city.

At 8:45 a.m. on June 2, a sea of people, many of whom had been camped out for days, erupted with cheers as the first of nine processions of royalty and dignitaries began. At 10:26, the loudest cheers welcomed the Queen in her golden stage coach, as she made her way to her Coronation at Westminster Abbey.

In honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday today, here is a selection of images from her Coronation ceremony published in the journal more than 60 years ago.