When the Queen was coronated in 1953 she rode to Westminster Abbey in an incredible four tonne gold coach pulled by horses. However, while it may have looked like an impressive spectacle to the crowd, the Queen has since revealed that is was very uncomfortable for her riding in it.
The eight-horse drawn state coach was commissioned in 1760 and has three cherubs on the roof to represent England, Ireland and Scotland, but according to the Queen it is “not meant for travelling in at all”. The monarch spoke candidly about her thoughts on the gold state coach a few years ago in the 2018 BBC documentary, The Coronation.
Reflecting on her miles-long journey in the coach from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, the Queen described the journey as “horrible”. She revealed that “it’s only sprung on leather” and added that it was “not very comfortable”. The Queen also said the coach that is pulled by horses “can only go at a walking pace” as it was “so heavy”.
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(Image: Getty Images)
Fortunately for the Queen, the extravagant mode of transport is only used during special events such as part of Jubilee celebrations. The Queen rode in the state coach from Buckingham Palace to St Paul’s Cathedral for a service of Thanksgiving to celebrate to her Golden Jubilee in 2002.
The coach was commissioned late in 1760 for King George III for his Coronation and wedding to Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in 1761. However, the complexity of the project meant that it was used by the King for the first time for the State Opening of Parliament on November 25, 1762. It has since been used at every Coronation from George IV onwards.
(Image: Mirrorpix)
It has not yet been announced whether the Queen will ride in the state coach again this year to mark her Platinum Jubilee in June. However, according to The Sun, the coach is getting what has been described as an ‘MoT-style once-over’, with coachmen and mechanics checking it over.
A source reportedly told the publication: “It would be an incredible comeback. But it would be too uncomfortable for the Queen these days and it needs a massive overhaul for that to happen.”
The public have previously been able to see the incredible piece of history on display at the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. Although temporarily closed, the Royal Mews will reopen to the public from May 19 – October 2, 2022. However, the website states that the gold state coach will not be on display between May 19 to May 31.
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