THE QUEEN’s coronation was one of the most significant ceremonial events in the last century, and everything was timed with military precision.
So the procession hit a bump when the Lord in Waiting in charge of Her Majesty’s costume changes couldn’t work the hook and eye on her cape.
Lady Anne Glenconner, who was a maid of honour at the coronation, shared the story in her book, Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown.
She explained that the 5th Marquess of Cholmondeley, Lord Great Chamberlain was responsible for helping the monarch with her costume changes, something that proved tricky.
Lady Glenconner said: “The Marquess of Cholmondeley was the most handsome man and he seemed very proud of his looks – he always sat bolt upright with his head slightly to one side.
“The trouble was, he was simply terrible at doing up the hook and eyes, probably never having to dress himself, let alone anybody else.
“As the Duke of Norfolk repeatedly showed him what to do, the attempts only resulted in yet more fiddling, and the Duke becoming ever more exasperated.
“In the end, the Duke of Norfolk ordered the hooks and eyes to be exchanged for poppers.”
Lady Anne is the eldest child of the 5th Earl of Leicester.
As well as acting as Maid of Honour to the Queen, she was also Princess Margaret's Lady in Waiting.
Elizabeth was just 25 years old when she became the Queen of England but she was 27 by the time of the coronation.
The ceremony took place more than a year after the King's passing as it was thought to be inappropriate to host the celebration during his mourning period.
During the ceremony the Queen took an oath to serve the people of the Commonwealth according to their respective laws and customs and she was anointed with holy oil.
In other royal news, we revealed why Kate Middleton carries her bag in her left hand.
And we told you how Katherine Jenkins was so "nervous" she could "hardly speak" at lunch with the Queen.
We also revealed how Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could have been paid £770,000 for JP Morgan speech about therapy.
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