Certain historical moments are captured and frozen for generations to see and learn from. We’re all familiar with these photos—some depict joyful, important, or heartbreaking moments, but all are equally iconic. But the story behind each one of these photographs is what’s missing. Here are the fascinating stories behind some of the most influential images in human history that prove a picture is worth a thousand words.
#1: The Ascension of Queen Elizabeth II, 1953
Queen Elizabeth is currently the longest-reigning monarch in British History. She’s a symbol of the British royal family and a fashion icon (her unique style consists almost exclusively of neon colors). This photo was taken on the day of her coronation in 1953. Her style has changed quite a bit since then.
As a young girl, Elizabeth never expected to become a queen; she was third in line for the crown. Her father, King George VI, became king after Elizabeth’s uncle abdicated the throne to pursue a frowned-upon romance—he was forced to resign the crown to marry a divorced woman—making King George VI king. Elizabeth was declared the new monarch when her father passed away in 1952, and her coronation occurred a year later.