The coronation carriage of Charles III, equipped like a high-end car

In just a few days, on 6 May, the coronation ceremony of King Charles III of England will take place. One of the things that usually attracts attention at these events, beyond the pomp and monarchical traditions, is the vehicles that will be used for the journeys. This is where we can see interesting things that catch the attention of car enthusiasts.

In this case, and being such an ancient institution, protocol dictates that the journey is made in a horse-drawn carriage. But the fact that it is a carriage with a venerable image from past times does not mean it is an old vehicle. In fact, the carriage making its debut at this event comes with outstanding equipment, very similar to what high-end vehicles use.

A classic-style carriage with a modern interior

The carriage used for these ceremonies since 1830 is the Gold State Coach, a luxurious vehicle drawn by eight horses. It was built in 1760, is 8.8 metres long and weighs 3,900 kg. Needless to say, gold is present on many surfaces and it is as excessive as you can imagine. But, although it is well looked after and kept in perfect condition, it is very uncomfortable.

So much so that kings William IV and George VI declared that the brief journey made in it could be considered “the worst journey” of their lives. Something similar was said by Elizabeth II, the mother of the current king. And that is despite rubber tyres reinforced with steel being added to the wheels, to improve its ride.

But this was not enough, so a new carriage was commissioned in 2010, with this moment in mind. It was built in Australia and transported to London in 2014. And with this one, Charles III will be able to forget about the discomforts. The carriage features hydraulic suspension, which adapts to the terrain it travels over. But that is not its only technological equipment.

It also has air conditioning and heating and every comfort possible. It is called the Diamond Jubilee State Coach and is 5.5 metres long, considerably shorter than the original. It weighs 2,750 kg and has been built with materials sourced from emblematic places in England, such as the woods around Balmoral Castle, and it even has fabric from a dress by Florence Nightingale. Very British indeed.

But the delight will be short-lived, because this technological carriage will be used to travel to Westminster Abbey. On the return journey, the less comfortable Gold State Coach will be used, so they will be trading the comfort of the first for the less pleasant ride of the more classic vehicle.