The Queen and Us

Famous Britons recall the first decade of the Queen’s reign. From watching the coronation to growing up in the 1950s, where the class system, deference and rigid routine defined Britain. They share their experiences from compulsory National Service to the strict daily housework routine; from going ballroom dancing every week to attending Saturday afternoon football matches. When Princess Elizabeth became Queen in 1952, Britain was a very different place. The country was broke and still living on rations in bombed-out towns and cities. After years of post-war austerity, the coronation of Elizabeth II held the promise of a brighter future for us all. Televised live, it was watched by 20 million across the UK and would forever unite us with the Queen in times of celebration and tragedy.

In the 1960s the Queen saw her nation transformed, from technology to popular culture. But she kept pace, balancing our enthusiasm for modernity with the reassurance of tradition.

In the 1970s we saw the Queen go 'walkabout', and celebrate her silver jubilee and her daughter's marriage. But the decade was also marked by political upheaval and economic unrest.

In the 1980s the Queen, like other mothers, watched as her country and her son went to war. Celebrities share their memories about a time of radical social and political change.

The 1990s was the decade that proved the most challenging of The Queen’s reign as Britain was transformed by technology and the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

The first decade of the 21st century Queen Elizabeth provided her nation with some much needed stability, and the Royal Family’s popularity went from strength to strength.

Becoming our longest reigning monarch, the Queen showed no signs of slowing down as she approached her tenth decade, continuing to uphold tradition whilst welcoming modernity.