On This Day - What happened 6 February 1952 AD

On 6 February 1952, they were in Kenya when Elizabeth's father died and she became queen. It was Philip who broke the news to Elizabeth at Sagana Lodge, and the royal party immediately returned to the United Kingdom.

Churchill was nearly 77 when he took office and was not in good health following several minor strokes. By December, George VI had become concerned about Churchill's decline and intended to ask him to stand down in favor of Eden, but the King had his own serious health issues and died on 6 February without making the request.

George VI died on 6 February 1952, and her sister became Queen.