The iconic Coronation Carriage, which has been used in every coronation since 1821, is set to receive a major upgrade. Following concerns about the carriage’s comfort and safety for future monarchs, the Royal Family has approved plans for refurbishment. The new and improved carriage will provide a much more comfortable ride for the Queen, other members of the Royal Family, and their guests during future coronations. The upgrade is expected to take several years to complete, and will mark a significant moment in the history of this historic carriage.
The King and Queen Consort are set to travel to Westminster Abbey for the coronation on May 6th, in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, a relatively modern, horse-drawn carriage. The couple will be joined by other members of the Royal Family in the procession, which crowds will be able to watch as it moves through the Mall and Whitehall in London. After the ceremony, the King and Queen Consort will return to Buckingham Palace in the traditional Gold State Coach, which has been used in every coronation since the 1830s.
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach is newer, having first been used in 2014, and designed with comfort in mind. It also incorporates pieces of wood from historic ships and buildings, including HMS Victory, the Mary Rose, Balmoral Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey. The carriage looks traditional, but is modern, with air conditioning, electric windows and up-to-date suspension.
On the other hand, the Gold State Coach, while a remarkable piece of craftsmanship, is scarcely built for comfort. Its elaborate carvings are covered in gold and paintings, but past monarchs have found the ride uncomfortable, with Queen Elizabeth labelling it “not very comfortable” after her coronation in 1953, and William IV describing it as being like “a ship in a rough sea” in 1831.
Despite the drawbacks, the Gold State Coach has been a cornerstone of coronation processions for nearly two centuries. Buckingham Palace has not given a reason for the switch in carriage, but it is likely that the King and Queen Consort’s comfort was a priority in the decision.
The procession will lead from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, where the coronation service will begin at 11 am. It will then return to Buckingham Palace via the same route, with the newly-crowned King and Queen Consort appearing on the balcony alongside other senior members of the Royal Family at the end of the event.
The coronation ceremony will utilise traditional regalia, such as symbols of rings, swords, and crowns, including the St. Edward’s crown, which will be placed on the King’s head. The sceptres used will include a 17th century ivory-made one, despite speculation that it might be withdrawn due to concerns over animal conservation. The oldest surviving piece of the original medieval coronation regalia, a 12th century spoon used to hold oil for the anointing ceremony, will also be in use.
More than 2,000 guests, including representatives of charity and community groups, world leaders, politicians, and royalty, are expected to attend the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, which has already drawn criticism from anti-monarchy campaigners regarding its cost. However, the government will not announce a figure for public expenditure until after the event.
The upcoming coronation has not been without drama, as only working royals were allowed on the balcony during the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, excluding Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, who had stepped down from royal duties. On a lighter note, a special emoji has been created for the occasion, highlighting how the event continues to be a blend of traditional pageantry and modern technology.
In conclusion, preparations for the forthcoming Coronation event continue to intensify, and the restoration and redesign of the ceremonial carriage by the Royal Household now present a major upgrade in terms of comfort, style, and functionality. As the world eagerly anticipates this historic ceremony, the new carriage is expected to provide an exceptional experience for the monarch and other dignitaries, as they embark on a regal procession through the streets of London. Clearly, this is a significant milestone in the rich history of the British monarchy, and we can’t wait to witness this spectacular event unfold.
