The processions
King Charles and Queen Camilla will arrive at Westminster Abbey in the King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace, travelling in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
This newest of the royal coaches was actually made in Australia and beautifully combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Its aluminium body and six hydraulic stabilisers will ensure a smooth ride for the royal couple.
The interior wooden panels of the coach were constructed from objects donated by over 100 historic sites. The seat handrails are from the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the window frames and interiors include material from Caernarfon Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, the Mary Rose (Henry VIII’s flagship), 10 Downing Street, and the Antarctic bases of Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton.
The couple will return to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach, leading the Coronation Procession, accompanied by members of the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.
The 260-year-old Gold State Coach is the grandest at the Royal Mews and has been used at every coronation since that of King William IV. This huge vehicle weighs four tonnes and needs eight horses to draw it. Its painted panels and rich gilded sculptures – including Roman gods and goddesses, three rooftop cherubs representing England, Scotland and Ireland, and four massive Triton figures above each wheel – are quite magnificent.
The procession route will end at Buckingham Palace and the King and Queen will appear on the balcony to greet crowds accompanied by some – yet to be determined as we went to press – members of the royal family.