Coronation preparation: Five facts about The Gold State Coach

On Saturday, 6 May, all eyes will be on King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla as they are officially crowned at the royal coronation. After the service, the couple will take part in a royal procession in the Gold State Coach.

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FIVE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE GOLD STATE COACH

Preparations for the royal coronation are in full swing, and that includes the Gold State Coach.

Here are six interesting facts about the historic and iconic carriage.

1. PART OF EVERY CORONATION SINCE 1821

Since it was built in 1762, the Gold State Coach has played a part at all royal coronations, jubilees, and other special events, the Royal Collection Trust reports. Designed by William Chambers and made by the coachmaker Samuel Butler, the 260-year-old carriage has been used at every coronation since that of George IV in 1821.

2. IT’S NOT MADE FROM SOLID GOLD

According to The Royal Collection, the coach is made of giltwood, a thin layer of gold leaf over wood. The interior is lined and upholstered with velvet and satin. It also features magnificently painted panels of Roman gods and goddesses. On the roof, the carriage features three gilded cherubs, which reportedly represent England, Scotland, and Ireland.

3. IT ONLY GOES SLOW

The coach is seven meters long, 3.6 meters tall, and weighs four tonnes. Eight horses are reportedly needed to draw the coach. It is only drawn at a walking pace due to its age and weight.

4. QUEEN VICTORIA WASN’T A FAN

George III, George IV, and William IV all used the Gold State Coach at State Openings of Parliament, but Queen Victoria didn’t like it very much. According to the Royal Collection Trust, the coach wasn’t used after Prince Albert’s death in 1861.

5. THE THIRD OLDEST SURVIVING COACH IN THE UK

The oldest coach in the UK is the Speaker of the House of Common’s Coach, dating back to 1698. The second oldest coach is the Lord Mayor of London’s Coach, which was built in 1758.

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EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE CELEBRATIONS

The coronation proceedings will consist of a three-day-long celebration, starting with the service at Westminster Abbey on 6 May.

According to Buckingham Place, the Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct the service. It will reflect the Monarch’s current and future role while paying tribute to longstanding traditions and pageantry.

King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will arrive at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace. This is known as “The King’s Procession.” 

After the service, the King and Queen will return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as “The Coronation Procession,” the Palace reveals. Other members of the royal family will join in the procession.

Back at the palace, The King and The Queen Consort, accompanied by members of the royal family, will appear on the balcony to conclude the day’s ceremonial events.

On Sunday, 7 May, a special Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle. It will air on BBC and BBC Studios. A limited amount of tickets are also available via a public ballot.

Along with the coronation concert, The Coronation Big Lunch will also occur nationwide. Neighbours and communities are invited to share food and have fun.

On 8 May, the last day of the celebrations, public members are invited to participate in The Big Help Out. The aim is to encourage people to volunteer in their local communities and offer support where needed.

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