Get Your Royal Bling On With These Spectacular Carriages

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 75 months ago

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Get Your Royal Bling On With These Spectacular Carriages
Who doesn't love a blinging carriage? Royal Collection Trust/(c) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2017

There's a working stable full of stunning royal carriages just around the corner from Buckingham Palace, but we wager most people haven't paid it a visit.

Each carriage has a fascinating history; the gold state coach has been used to transport every monarch to their coronation since 1821. All are still in working order and are used today for occasions such as taking the Queen to the annual opening of Parliament, and for royal weddings — the one that was used Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding is on display.

Each carriage has its own history. Royal Collection Trust/(c) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2017

These vehicles have to be kept in pristine condition because they may be called upon for royal duty at any time. The gold plated one that weighs 4.5 tons is seldom used, but spare a thought for the horses that have to pull it along when it does get an airing.

One made especially for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee is a beautiful vehicle. Despite its antiquated style it comes complete with the mod cons of electric windows and heating. It's a movable museum with literal chunks of history embedded within it, including wood from HMS Victory and St. Paul's, plus digital copies of the Magna Carta and the Domesday book.

Here's our attempt at a Royal wave.

There are fun elements including an opportunity to harness a model horse — which, it turns out, is much harder than assembling an IKEA bookshelf. Plus, who can turn down the chance to climb aboard a carriage and pose for a Royal wave to post on Instagram?

The Royal Mews is open 1 February - 30 November. It occasionally closes for state visits so check online before visiting. Tickets are £10 for adults.

Last Updated 19 December 2017