Scottish State Coach facts for kids
The Scottish State Coach is a special, fancy carriage pulled by four horses. The British Royal Family uses it for important events. It's like a big, enclosed car from a long time ago!
This coach was built in 1830 by a company called Adams & Hooper. It was made for Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, so he could go to the crowning ceremony of William IV. The Duke's family used it for many years. Later, it was sold and changed a bit, becoming a "semi-State landau" (a type of carriage that could be opened). In 1920, the Keppel family, who owned it then, gave it back to the Royal Family as a gift for Queen Mary. She kept it safe at Windsor Castle.
How the Coach Was Made New
Between 1968 and 1969, the coach got a big makeover! It was brought back to its original enclosed style. Workers added large glass windows and clear panels in the roof, so people inside could see out easily. They also put the Royal Arms (the official symbol of the King or Queen) and the symbols of the Order of the Thistle (a special Scottish award) on the coach. On top of the roof, they even added a model of the Crown of Scotland! Most of this work was done by a company in Edinburgh, following designs from a London firm.
When the Coach Is Used
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The Queen Elizabeth II first used this coach in 1969 for an important event for the Church of Scotland. Later, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (Queen Elizabeth II's mother) used it in 1977 for a special celebration of her daughter's 25 years as Queen. She also used it in 1979 for another ceremony in Dover.
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh rode in it for the Queen's 60th birthday party in 1986. It was also used for a special service in Edinburgh in 1994 and as a backup coach for a visit from the King and Queen of Norway.
The Scottish State Coach has been part of at least three royal weddings:
- In 1963, for Princess Alexandra and Angus Ogilvy.
- In 2011, Prince William and Catherine Middleton used it to carry the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to their wedding.
- In 2018, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank rode in it for their wedding.
The Queen used it for her Birthday Parade in 2019, which was the last time she attended this event in person. Most recently, in 2023, the coach carried the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Sir Timothy Laurence after the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Where to See the Coach
You can usually find the Scottish State Coach at the Royal Mews in London. This is where the Royal Family's horses and carriages are kept, and the public can visit. Sometimes, for special events like the Queen's Jubilee, the coach is shown in Scotland, for example, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
More to Explore
- Gold State Coach
- Irish State Coach
- Royal Mews
- State Opening of Parliament
- Honours of Scotland
