THE Queen was not the only young woman crowned on the day of her coronation.
While Her Majesty succeeded to the throne in a lavish London ceremony on June 2 1953, Marion Grady received the honour of becoming coronation queen for Pinehurst.
The 10-year-old girl wore a sparkling crown full of pretty stones and led a procession around the streets of Swindon.
The new monarch had a horse-drawn carriage to transport her around the nation’s capital while Marion was wheeled along in a decorated wheelbarrow.
She lived in Poplar Avenue and was the youngest of 10 children. Her king for the day was a young boy called Michael Quinn.
Marion still fondly remembers that special day and has enjoyed following the Queen’s reign over the last seven decades.
She told the Adver: “We had a garden party in Acacia Grove and a procession on Beech Avenue up to the Moonrakers and back down the hill in my chariot. The whole area turned up to watch, it was lovely.
“My maiden name was Goodenough, which was appropriate, because I was indeed good enough!
“I’ve always had great admiration for the Queen. She was very young when she was crowned and every time she celebrates a jubilee, so do I. I’m proud that we’ve both made it this far.
“I liked our King too, he was a lovely man and devoted father.”
Now nearly 80, Marion is celebrating this unique Platinum Jubilee with trips to the pub to see family and friends this weekend.
The great-grandmother, who moved to Walcot after the coronation and has lived there for 60 years, has received royalty-themed trinkets -like a small gold chariot, saucers and mugs over the years - and her photos are on display in a nearby community centre.
Her coronation crown has crumbled into disrepair over the years but she received a tiara on the same day which still fits and shines as good as new.
Marion added: “I never thought we would have a monarch reaching their Platinum Jubilee. I don’t think it will happen again.
“She’s done an absolutely marvellous job and has stayed on through difficult times, even after losing her husband. I’ve got no complaints.
“I’ll be dressed up in my reds, whites and blues with my Union Jack and meet up with some friends.”
Take a trip down memory lane with these fantastic photos of Marion’s special occasion held 70 years ago.
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