Charles III’s coronation ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 6th. The coronation ceremony has barely changed over the last 1000 years, although some of the modes of transport have been upgraded.
For those more interested in the pageantry surrounding Charles III’s Coronation than with the service, the Royal Family’s extensive and unique car collection is expected to be on full show. A selection of vehicles will support the Gold State Coach, which has been ferrying various royals around London since it was built in 1762.
Although the Gold State Coach looks sufficiently regal, apparently both Elizabeth II and Victoria both disliked the bumpy ride. The Gold State Coach is an eight-horse carriage adorned with gilded sculptures and lined with satin and velvet. It is valued at around $4 million in today’s money. The coach’s age and weight prevent it from being used for occasions apart from coronations and royal weddings.
Charles and Camilla are likely to travel to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, commissioned as a comfier alternative to the Gold State Coach for Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Despite this smoother ride in, the King and his Queen Consort will travel back from Westminster in the Gold State Coach.
Aside from the two coaches, the range of cars that could be selected have been reviewed by Anglo Scottish Asset Finance and sent to Digital Journal.
The Royal Family’s cars can be categorised as State Cars, Semi-State Cars, and Royal Review Vehicles, for different occasions.
State Cars are usually used for public engagements and ceremonial occasions, whilst Royal Review Vehicles are modified cars for use at some official parades and cinemas. Semi-State Cars tend to be used in less formal situations and are less likely to feature as part of the procession.
There are two Royal Review Vehicles, both Range Rovers, and at least six Semi-State Cars. These are two Jaguar XJ Limousines and three Daimler DS420 Limousines, which were recently joined by two or three Range Rovers.
The state cars include two custom-built Bentley limousines, with twin-turbocharged V8 engines and 400bhp. At Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, all five state cars were used. The Royal garage is also home to Rolls-Royce’s: a 1950 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, a 1978 Phantom VI and a 1987 Phantom VI. Charles and The Queen Consort arrived at Buckingham Palace in the 1978 Phantom VI the day after his accession, and has also driven the 1950 Phantom IV in recent months.
The Bentleys, commissioned in 2002 for Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, are custom-built limousines, with twin-turbocharged 6.75 litre V8 engines. With 400 horsepower and other suitably royal modifications including removable rear windows for maximum visibility.
Charles III’s personal car collection includes an Aston Martin DB6 Volante, converted to run with a fuel made of the by-products of wine and cheese production. For some engagements, the King travels in a Bentley, which is usually required for security reasons, and is owned by the Metropolitan Police. His collection also includes a Jaguar XJ.
