King Charles will be crowned on Saturday, May 6, in Westminster Abbey – the same venue and in a similar ceremony to that of Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation over 70 years ago.
But much else has changed in the the intervening seven decades, with just the last few years seeing the global pandemic and cost of living crisis impacting lives across the the UK and the world.
Recent inflationary hikes have seen us pay more for products like butter and fruit, but how much more – or less – are we paying for life’s essentials and luxuries than we did back then?
Here’s how much 13 everyday items cost in 1953 – and what those prices equate to in 2023 taking account of inflation.
5. A house
Frustrated wannabe first time buyers look away now - in 1953 the average house price in the UK was just £1,881. Even taking into account of inflation that would be £40,000, compared to £294,000 today. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Cheese
The price of cheese has been soaring in recent months, making it a fair amount more expensive than it was 70 years ago. In 1953 a pound of cheddar cheese was 2s 2d - around £2.30 today. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. A small car
The price of a car has remained fairly static over the last 70 years. In 1953 a Ford Anglia would have cost you £511 - equivalent to around £11,000 today. You can still pick up a new car int he UK for around £12,000. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Fridge
Keeping things cool has a hefty price tag in 1953. A basic fridge would set you back around 38 guineas, or nearly £40. Today that would mean you'd be paying £860. Photo: Canva/Getty Images