EN ROUTE TO THE ABBEY: DESTINY AWAITS
OK! UK|May 15, 2023
KING CHARLES AND QUEEN CAMILLA GET THEIR FIRST GLIMPSE OF ROYAL WELL-WISHERS AS THEY TRAVEL TO WESTMINSTER ABBEY AHEAD OF THE CORONATION
MICHELLE GARNETT AND EMMA JONES
EN ROUTE TO THE ABBEY: DESTINY AWAITS

It was always going to be a day rooted in symbolism and tradition but from the outset King Charles was determined to present a modern monarchy - slimmed down, pared back and less showy than previous generations, while retaining an element of the grandeur that captivated the world at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II last September.

Their Majesties departed Buckingham Palace through the Centre Gate in the striking black and gold Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Built to commemorate Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the coach was designed with comfort in mind, boasting cushioned seats, an aluminium body, shock absorbers, electric windows and even air conditioning. The gilded crown on the top of the coach, carved from oak that came from HMS Victory, concealed a hidden "coachcam" to film the journey.

The coach interior is inlaid with wood from historic sites including Balmoral Castle, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, St Paul's Cathedral, Sir Isaac Newton's apple tree and St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. It's also adorned with primrose-yellow silk and a fragment of a dress worn by Florence Nightingale. For added sparkle, the door handles are embellished with 24 diamonds and 130 sapphires, while the four coach lamps are made of Edinburgh Crystal.

This story is from the May 15, 2023 edition of OK! UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 15, 2023 edition of OK! UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM OK! UKView All
Cheesy does it
OK! UK

Cheesy does it

These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
OK! UK

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING

E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
I love the process of applying full glam'
OK! UK

I love the process of applying full glam'

Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
OK! UK

For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'

Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers

time-read
5 mins  |
November 11, 2024
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
OK! UK

"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'

TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence

time-read
5 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
OK! UK

'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'

Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign

time-read
6 mins  |
November 11, 2024
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
OK! UK

When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'

Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets

time-read
5 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
OK! UK

'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect

Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
OK! UK

I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'

Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams

time-read
5 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
OK! UK

'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces

After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event

time-read
7 mins  |
November 11, 2024