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.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
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.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities
