London ( CNN ) -- Members of the royal family , UK government and dignitaries gathered Tuesday in Westminster Abbey for a service to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II 's coronation . The queen was accompanied to the service by her husband , Prince Philip , as well as her son Prince Charles and her grandchildren , among them Princes William and Harry . William 's pregnant wife Catherine , the Duchess of Cambridge , was also present . She is expecting their first child in July , just over two years after they were married at the abbey . Prime Minister David Cameron gave a reading as the service began amid pomp and ceremony . The queen acceded to the throne in 1952 , but her formal coronation took place on June 2 , 1953 . Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in his reading paid tribute to the queen 's `` 60 years of commitment '' and service since she was crowned . The Bishop of London , the Right Rev . Richard Chartres , also hailed the queen 's `` affectionate service '' to her people in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth and `` the strength and inspiration she fosters '' there . The music and choral works performed at Tuesday 's service reflected the choice of music for the coronation 60 years ago . After the service , the queen and Philip stepped out into brilliant sunshine amid the tolling of bells , climbing into a glass-topped limousine for the return journey to Buckingham Palace . Diamond Jubilee celebrations were held last year to mark the queen 's 60 years on the throne . There have been 38 coronations at Westminster Abbey since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066 . A special `` coronation chair '' ordered built by Edward I , who reigned from 1272 to 1307 , has been used for almost every coronation since the 14th century . Queen Elizabeth II 's coronation in 1953 was the first to be televised , allowing her British subjects to watch the entire ceremony . OPINION : Why Queen Elizabeth wo n't step down .
Members of the royal family join a service to celebrate 60 years since the coronation . The queen acceded to the throne in 1952 , but her formal coronation took place in 1953 . Prince William and his pregnant wife Catherine are among the guests .