State coach Facts for Kids

A state coach is a very special and fancy carriage used by important leaders. These leaders include kings, queens, or presidents. They use these coaches for big official events and celebrations. Think of it as a super-decorated car for royal parades!

These coaches are usually pulled by six or more horses. They are designed to look grand and impressive. They let everyone see the important people inside during ceremonies. Sometimes, wealthy families also used fancy coaches for their own formal events.

A state chariot is a similar, but smaller, fancy carriage. It's usually made for just two passengers. Often, the front of a state chariot has a large glass panel. In England, these were called "chariots." In France, they were sometimes called "coupés."

The History and Design of State Coaches
Famous State Coaches Around the World
Images for kids
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The History and Design of State Coaches

When State Coaches Began

The very first state coaches were built a long time ago, in the mid-1500s. One of the earliest was made by Walter Rippon for the State Opening of Parliament. Many of these beautiful carriages were created by the year 1840. Even today, state coaches are still used for exciting events. These include royal weddings and other important national celebrations.

Amazing Design and Decoration

State coaches are true works of art! They were built by the best craftspeople. These builders paid attention to every tiny detail. Most coaches have huge glass windows. This allows the people inside to be seen by all the cheering crowds.

The inside of these coaches is often lined with soft, luxurious silks. The outside is covered with amazing decorations. You might see detailed paintings, fancy figures, and shiny gold designs. Each coach often displays the coat of arms of the royal family or country. A special cloth called a hammercloth often covers the driver's seat.

The People and Horses

The people who drive and attend to the coach are also dressed up. The coachman (driver) and footmen (assistants) wear special uniforms called livery. These uniforms are often very colorful and decorated with gold. The horses that pull the coach also wear fancy harnesses.

The coachmen, footmen, and postilions on state coaches wore ornate livery to match the grandeur of the coaches themselves. ... dressed in appropriately ornate livery coats, richly embellished with gold cords and strappings, worn with silk knee breeches, silk stockings, buckled shoes, and a cocked hat.

A grey coach horse with elaborate state harness and a postilion rider wearing livery

How State Coaches Are Driven

Some state coaches are driven by a coachman. This driver sits in a special seat at the front. Other coaches can be guided by riders called postilions. These riders sit directly on the horses, not in a driver's seat. This style of driving was sometimes called "à la Daumont." It was named after a French duke who preferred this way of travel.

The Special Horses That Pull Them

The horses chosen for state coaches are very special too. Long ago in England, cream-colored horses were often used. These were a special type of Hanoverian horse. Later, black horses became popular. Today, teams of beautiful grey horses are usually used for the monarch. Other important passengers might ride in coaches pulled by bay (brown) horses.

Other Types of State Coaches

Did you know there were also special coaches for cardinals? These religious leaders used coaches that were painted bright red. They were known as cardinal's coaches.

Famous State Coaches Around the World

Here are some examples of famous state coaches from different countries and times:

Image	Name	Built	Country	Location	Notes
Bridal Coach	Bridal Coach	1560-1561	Germany	Veste Coburg Coburg	A golden coach used for royal weddings.
Golden Coach for the Imperial Embassy	Golden Coach for the Imperial Embassy	1638	Czech Republic	Český Krumlov Castle Český Krumlov	Built in Rome for an ambassador to the Pope.
State Coach of Maria Francisca of Savoy	State Coach of Maria Francisca of Savoy	1666	Portugal	National Coach Museum Lisbon	Brought from France for Queen Maria Francisca's wedding.
Speaker's State Coach	Speaker's State Coach	1698	United Kingdom	Palace of Westminster London	Built for King William III.
Imperial Coach	Imperial Coach	1735	Austria	Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna	Built for Emperor Charles VI.
Gold State Coach	Gold State Coach	1762	United Kingdom	Royal Mews London	A very famous coach built for King George III.
Coronation Coach of Charles X	Coronation Coach of Charles X	1825	France	Galerie des Carrosses Versailles	Used for the coronation of King Charles X of France.
Glass Coach	Glass Coach	1826	Netherlands	Royal Stables The Hague	Built for King William I of the Netherlands.
Golden Coach	Golden Coach	1898	Netherlands	Royal Stables The Hague	A gift from the people of Amsterdam to Queen Wilhelmina.
Australian State Coach	Australian State Coach	1988	United Kingdom	Royal Mews London	Built for Queen Elizabeth II.
Diamond Jubilee State Coach	Diamond Jubilee State Coach	2010	United Kingdom	Royal Mews London	Built for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.