Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-serving British monarch. She became Queen at age 25, and reigned for 70 years.

Here, we look back at her coronation and 1953–54 tour to Aotearoa New Zealand – the first ever tour by a reigning monarch. Crowds flocked to see the young Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, during their six-week visit. An estimated 3 out of 4 New Zealanders saw them, and many treasured the memory with souvenirs like these.

Today, New Zealanders hold diverse views about the monarchy, but the Queen is widely respected for the dignity and grace she brought to her royal duties.

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, 1926–2022, 2022. Photo by Maarten Holl. Te Papa