Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The coronation of George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth and as Emperor and Empress of India took place at Westminster Abbey, London, on 12 May 1937. George VI ascended the throne upon the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII, on 11 December 1936, three days before his 41st birthday. Edward's coronation had been planned for 12 May 1937 and it was decided to continue with his brother and sister-in-law's coronation on the same date. Although the music included
George Edward Cates George Edward Cates George Edward Cates VC (9 May 1892 – 8 March 1917) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Cates was born on 9 May 1892 to George and Alice Ann Cates, of Wimbledon, London. He was 24 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), British Army during the First World War, and was awarded the VC for his actions on 8 March 1917 at