The Historic Stars of the Show

Key history-laden and symbolic objects we'll see at the the Coronation of King Charles III

- CLAIRE SAUL

Head Coach

The opulent giltwood Gold State Coach has been used for every Coronation since George IV's in 1821, although it actually dates from the 1760s. The four-tonne coach requires an entire section of wall to be removed in the State Carriage House at the Royal Mews to extract it for use. It also requires eight horses to draw it, always Windsor Greys, which wear the special Red Morocco State Harness reserved especially for it. Although it only moves at walking speed, the brake needs to be applied at around 27m from its intended stopping point.

The coach features four enormous Tritons, representing imperial power, and a roof topped by three cherubs, which represent the guardian spirits of England, Scotland and Ireland. Sprouting palm trees, lions heads and symbols of British victory in war frame the body of the coach, which is decorated with images of Roman gods and goddesses.

The Gold State Coach is a notoriously uncomfortable ride, and will be in limited use on Coronation Day. It is thought that the king and queen will journey to the Coronation at Westminster Abbey in one of the other magnificent coaches housed at the Royal Mews or perhaps even by one of the limousines in the fleet of royal cars there, making the return journey to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach.

The Royal Mews is open to visitors until October 30 2023, but will be closed on certain days for royal duties.

rct.uk/visit/royalmews

Cosmati Contemplations