The King is dead, long live the Queen

A special edition of From Our Files this week recalls how 70 years ago Campbeltown mourned George VI and proclaimed Elizabeth as Queen.

King George VI died in his sleep on February 6, 1952, and his eldest daughter Elizabeth immediately ascended to the throne.

She has reigned now for 70 years and 2022 will be full of celebrations to mark her platinum jubilee. When George VI died, the nation had seen five monarchs in the first half of the 20th century, including the Duke of Windsor, who abdicated in 1936, so people were used to the pomp and ceremony.

Today, only the oldest members of the community can remember these events.

The Queen’s coronation did not take place until June 2, 1953.