Image: Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018
The Ascot Landau carriage that transported TRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex through the streets of Windsor after their wedding ceremony is now on public display at the Royal Mews. The chance to see the carriage is included in a visit to the Royal Mews until 30 September 2018.
The Ascot Landau carriage is one of five Ascot Landaus purchased during the reign of Queen Victoria. Usually kept at Windsor Castle, the carriages are used to transport members of the Royal Family on official occasions, which have included Her Majesty The Queen’s Coronation visit to Edinburgh in 1953, the Investiture of The Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle in 1969, and a number of State Visits.
Ascot Landau carriages are also used each year for The Queen’s procession up the course at the Royal Ascot Race, and are regularly used to transport new Commonwealth High Commissioners when they are received by The Queen for an Audience at Buckingham Palace.
The Royal Mews is one of the world’s finest working stables and is responsible for all road travel arrangements for The Queen and members of the Royal Family. Visitors can see and learn about the historic coaches and carriages which play an important role in many memorable State and ceremonial occasions, such as in royal weddings, coronations and Trooping the Colour.
Visitors can admire the Diamond Jubilee State Coach which was first used at the State Opening of Parliament in 2014. Its interior incorporates items donated by over 100 British historic sites, including the Royal Yacht Britannia, Canterbury Cathedral and 10 Downing Street.
The most dazzling coach at the Royal Mews is the Gold State Coach. Real gold leaf covers almost the entire surface of the coach. It weighs four tonnes, needs eight horses to pull it and has been used at every coronation since George IV.
The Mews is also home to the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays, the horses that pull the royal carriages, each named personally by Her Majesty. Visitors may see the horses during their visit.
Tickets are available to book via the Royal Collection Trust’s website, over the phone on 0303 123 7300 or on the day at the ticket desk.
