The Royal Mews

Let's continue this series on London after:

• My Birthday in London
• Kensington Palace
• Madame Tussauds
• The Design Museum

 
Today, I make you discover one of the most beautiful stables still in activity and especially the magnificent carriages and coaches that the British royal family still largely uses during official ceremonies.

Semi-State Landau
With the hoods that open or close, it was the favourite of Queen Victoria who liked the fresh air.

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​Irish State Coach
Purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1853.
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In 1876, a frieze is added to the top to honour the Empress of India.

Queen Alexandra's State Coach
Built in 1865 but converted with windows in 1893, it was used by Queen Alexandra until 1925.

Since then, it is often used to carry the royal crown.

​Glass Coach
It was used by Queen Elizabeth II for her wedding as her mother for hers, and many others ...

Scottish State Coach
A transparent roof that brings lots of light inside.

On the top is a model of the crown of Scotland.

​Gold State Coach
Delivered in 1762 for King George III, this carriage is the most impressive of all.
7.3m long, 2.5m high and 3.9m wide.

It was obviously used for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

​Diamond Jubilee State Coach
Although it looks like the previous coaches, this one is perfectly modern and was created in Australia for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

It weighs nearly 3 tons and is equipped with 6 hydraulic stabilisers to avoid swaying.

However, craftsmanship is still very present with, for example, lamps handmade by Edinburgh crystal, or door handles encrusted with diamonds and sapphires.

A collection of various carriages is also open to the public, including a sleigh offered by Canada to Queen Victoria or a mini carriage for children.

Obviously, all this wouldn’t work without horses and all men associated with it.

​Much less glamorous but nevertheless indispensable, the royal family also travels by car.
I too had a nice car for my Solo Wedding in Santorini, a black Mercedes ...

Have a good week!
 
Love & Coach,
L.