King Charles III’s coronation on 6th May 2023 is an occasion steeped in history, and the event will see two processions take place; The King’s Procession and The Coronation Procession. Their Majesties will be transported through these processions using two historic coaches; the Diamond Jubilee State Coach and the Gold State Coach, and here we explore the significance of these two coaches.
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach will transport King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace for the coronation service. The King’s Procession, accompanied by The Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, will depart Buckingham Palace and proceed down The Mall, passing through Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square, down Whitehall and along Parliament Street to Westminster Abbey. When not in use, it is housed at the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace and can be viewed by the public.
This coach was originally built to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 80th birthday, however, due to an eight year delay, it was finally commissioned in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee anniversary; marking the 60th anniversary of her reign. Incorporating material from historic ships and buildings, such as HMS Victory, Balmoral Castle and Westminster Abbey, it was first used in 2014 for the State Opening of Parliament and has been in regular use ever since. This coach requires the use of six horses and is more modern than some of the others available; it is made of aluminium and is equipped with electric windows, heating, hydraulic stabilisers and air conditioning.
The Gold State Coach
The Gold State Coach will carry King Charles III and Queen Camilla from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace in The Coronation Procession. The Coronation Procession, featuring Armed Forces from across the Commonwealth and the British Overseas Territories, and all Services of the UK’s Armed Forces, will depart from Westminster Abbey and proceed along Parliament Street, down Whitehall, passing through Trafalgar Square and Admiralty Arch, and proceed down The Mall until they reach Buckingham Palace. When not in use, it is also housed at the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace and can be viewed by the public.
This coach was commissioned in 1760 by Francis Rawdon-Hastings; 1st Marquess of Hastings for King George III. It was first used by King George III to travel to the State Opening of Parliament in 1762 and has been used at every Coronation since that of King William IV in 1831. It is made of giltwood and features painted panels of Roman gods and goddesses designed by Giovanni Battista Cipriani, as well as gilded sculptures of three cherubs on the roof which represent England, Scotland and Ireland. The Gold State Coach requires eight horses and because of how heavy it is, it can only be pulled at a walking pace.
This new sovereign series, released to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation, features the first commemorative design gold sovereign coins ever produced for the coronation of a British monarch. Secure yours HERE.
