Queen Elizabeth II; Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
18 of 219 portraits of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
© Cecil Beaton / Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Queen Elizabeth II; Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
by Cecil Beaton
chromogenic print, 2 June 1953
19 5/8 in. x 15 1/2 in. (500 mm x 395 mm) sight
Given by Mr Ford Hill and the American Friends of the National Portrait Gallery (London) Foundation, Inc., 2015
Primary Collection
NPG P1456
Sittersback to top
- Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921-2021), Consort of Elizabeth II. Sitter associated with 219 portraits.
- Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), Reigned 1952-2022. Sitter associated with 972 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Cecil Beaton (1904-1980), Photographer, designer and writer. Artist or producer associated with 1114 portraits, Sitter associated with 360 portraits.
Portrait setback to top
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1953back to top
Current affairs
A combination of low pressure in the North Sea, hurricane force winds, and high tides result in the Great Flood of 1953. With no warning system many were trapped in their homes as 20-foot waves crashed on the coast; hundreds were killed at sea and on the east coast.John Hunt's British Expedition conquers Everest. News of the achievement reached Britain on the day of Elizabeth's coronation.
Art and science
Frances Crick and James Watson discover the double helix structure of DNA. Uncovering DNA's chemical make-up revolutionised our understanding of the building blocks of life.Ian Fleming publishes his first James Bond novel, Casino Royal.
Chad Varah founds 'The Samaritans' helpline.
International
Joseph Stalin dies four days after suffering a stroke. It has been suggested that Stalin was assassinated, as he was denied medical assistance for over a day after he was found; many suspect that he was poisoned. On his death Georgy Malenkov became leader of the Soviet Union.Comments back to top
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