Queen Alexandra's State Coach facts for kids
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The Queen Alexandra's State Coach is a special carriage used by the British Royal Family. It is kept at the Royal Mews, a place where royal horses and carriages are stored, near Buckingham Palace in London. This beautiful coach has a long history and plays an important role in royal events.
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A Royal Ride: Queen Alexandra's State Coach
The Coach's History
This grand coach was first built around 1865. Back then, it was a simple 'town coach' used for everyday travel. About 30 years later, it was changed into a special State Coach. This was done for the Princess of Wales, who later became Queen Alexandra. She was the wife of King Edward VII.
How the Coach is Driven
The Queen Alexandra's State Coach is usually driven by a skilled coachman. It is pulled by four horses, which is called a four-in-hand team. This means the coachman controls all four horses at once.
Its Most Important Job
Like other State Coaches, this coach is used for many different royal duties. But its most famous job is to carry the Imperial State Crown. This crown is a very important part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. The coach also carries the Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance. These items are taken to and from the Palace of Westminster each year. This happens for the special event called the State Opening of Parliament.
The State Opening of Parliament
The State Opening of Parliament is a big event where the monarch officially opens the new session of Parliament. This is where important laws are made. When the coach carries the Crown for this event, it is always joined by the King's Bargemaster and Watermen. They act as footmen, walking alongside the coach. This is a reminder of old times when the Crown Jewels were often brought by river from the Tower of London.
Royal Escort and Salute
When the Crown and other important items are being moved, they get a special escort. This escort is provided by the Household Cavalry, who are soldiers on horseback. They protect the coach and its precious cargo. The Crown and items also receive a royal salute. This is a special honor given with loud cannon fire.
