British royal carriages are often used for important occasions of the royal family and the country, such as state visits and weddings. Russian President Vladimir Putin, South Korean President Park Geun-hye and other national leaders have ridden in royal carriages when they visited the UK.
The most famous of the British royal carriages is the five-horse carriage.
The "Golden Carriage" built in 1762 was once called the most luxurious carriage in the world and was made of gilded wood. For more than two hundred years since George IV, all British kings have used this carriage to attend their coronation ceremonies.
The glass carriage built in 1881 is the designated means of transportation for British royal weddings. Both Princess Diana and Kate flew on it during their wedding ceremonies.
The Irish Royal Carriage built in 1851 is the special carriage used by the British King and Queen to attend the opening ceremony of Parliament. Now, the golden carriage sent by Australia may take its place.
The Queen Alexandra carriage built in 1865 was mainly used to transport the crown, royal sword and crown of endurance from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster at the opening of Parliament.
The Australian Royal Carriage built in 1988 was an official gift to the Queen of England on the 200th anniversary of the founding of Australia. It is often used at the opening of Parliament and other occasions for foreign royals. For example, the Queen of Denmark used this carriage when she visited the UK in 2000.
The British Royal Carriage Witnessing History
The British royal family’s Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, etc. are often the objects of camera chasing, but in fact, on major ceremonial occasions for the royal family and the country, , the British royal family will still choose to travel by carriage. The British royal carriage is not only a unique but harmonious scenery in these "big events", but also witnesses important historical scenes.
The British royal family has more than 100 carriages, most of which are placed in the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. Most of the carriages are still in use. Royal carriages are used for important royal and national occasions such as state visits, weddings and the opening of parliament. In addition, royal carriages are used to escort new foreign high commissioners and ambassadors to Buckingham Palace to present their credentials to the Queen.
Currently, the Royal Mews still retains the golden carriage that was used in 1792 (built in 1762, weighing 4 tons, and cost as much as 8,000 pounds at the time). Since George III, all British kings have ridden I took this car to attend the coronation ceremony. The last time this golden carriage was used was when Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip went to St. Paul's Cathedral for a thanksgiving service at the 2002 celebration of the 50th anniversary of her accession to the throne.