Royal 101: The Gold State Coach

The Gold State Coach is one of the most majestic symbols of the Crown. Similar to the Crown Jewels, the Royal Yacht, or Buckingham Palace, the Gold State Coach presents an aura of majesty and authority. Much as with the other symbols of the Royal Family mentioned above, it has a long tradition as part of the Crown’s possessions and much symbolism within the symbol itself. Read on to learn more about the fascinating history and deeper meaning behind this horse-drawn carriage of the Gold State Coach. You may find yourself learning something you never knew before.

Its history began in 1760 when Francis Rowden-Hastings, First Marquess Hastings, commissioned the Gold State Coach for King George III. The coach was constructed over a period of two years. William Chambers designed the coach and it was constructed by coachmaker Samuel Butler. Giovanni Bastista Cipriani contributed six beautifully painted panels that can be seen on the sides of the coach with a gilded frame overlaying the whole coach. On the roof, you’ll see three gilded cherubs that represent England, Scotland, and Ireland. There are also four gilded statues of the Greek god of the sea, Triton, the son of Poseidon and Aphrodite. These beautiful sculptures were the work of Sir Joseph Wilton, who also included four palm trees with symbols of Britain’s victory in the Seven Years’ War. The symbolism behind Wilton’s sculptures and the gilding are meant to convey Britain’s status as one of the world’s greatest powers.

Given the time of its construction, the Gold State Coach lacks in many modern comforts. While the inside is done in satin and is quite comfortable, the coach is raised up on braces, which doesn’t make for a terribly smooth ride. It also lacks features like electric windows or heating, unlike more modern coaches. When the Marquess first gifted it to King George III, the carriage was drawn by a coachman, but today the eight horses are postillion-ridden in pairs, with their riders guiding the carriage on its journey. Of course, that’s easy, considering the coach never gets above a walking pace (mostly due to its sheer weight of four tonnes).

The Gold State Coach is used mainly at great ceremonial occasions. Up to World War II, it was the primary transport for the Sovereign to and from the State Opening of Parliament. Many monarchs have utilized it for their coronations, including Queen Elizabeth II, and King Charles III also intends to use it at his coronation in May 2023. Queen Elizabeth II also used it for her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year. Not all monarchs have been especially fond of the Gold State Coach, and Queen Victoria scarcely used it after Prince Albert’s death in 1861. The carriage has been upgraded four times over its history: after the accession of King George IV (though he didn’t use it for his coronation), in 1902 for the coronation of King Edward VII, in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, and in 1977 for Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee.

Interestingly enough, the carriage is only the third oldest in the United Kingdom, with the Speaker of the House of Commons coach (1698) and the Lord Mayor of London’s Coach (1758) predating it. The only person allowed to ride in it is the Sovereign and his/her consort. It has sometimes been used in parades without anyone inside. Whenever the Gold State Coach is not in use, it is placed on display in the Royal Mews. While Charles has already decided to use the carriage for coronation, it remains to be seen whether he’ll use it for the opening of Parliament or other important State functions.