The Gold State Coach is being given a very modern update to make its first public appearance in 20 years for next month’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Moving images of the Queen on her Coronation Day 69 years ago will be played in its windows, making it seem as though the young monarch is actually riding inside.
The intricately gilded 260-year-old carriage, which is only ever allowed to carry the sovereign, will lead the Jubilee Pageant procession to the sounds of the bells of Westminster Abbey chiming as they did on the day she was anointed.
Using state-of-the-art technology, archive footage of the 27-year-old Queen waving on June 2, 1953, will be beamed on to the remodelled windows of the carriage in a demonstration of how, even if she is not there in person, she will be in spirit.
Yesterday, with under a month to go before the nation’s official celebrations of the Queen’s historic 70 years on the throne begin, Buckingham Palace confirmed more details of events to be held at the start of June over a once-in-a-lifetime four-day weekend.
The most eye-catching was the news that the Gold State Coach, which was built in 1762 and is the third oldest coach in the country, will be taken outside the Royal Mews for the first time since the Golden Jubilee.
Made of giltwood, a thin layer of gold leaf over wood, it is 23 feet long and 12 feet tall, and weighs four tons. Because of its weight and suspension it is only ever used at a walking pace. It is said to be the most uncomfortable carriage the Queen owns.
Drawn by eight Windsor Grey horses, it will be led by the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry, heralding a riotous celebration of the Queen’s life, her favourite things and the diversity of her reign.
Adrian Evans, the Pageant Master, said: ‘Everywhere you look, in the golden sculptures and painted panels, in the uniforms of the postilions, grooms, footmen, attendants and mounted guards, there is rich tradition and history.
‘It will be a unique spectacle that we are privileged to be opening the Pageant with. It will set the tone for the very many spectacular sights to come.’
The elaborate coach features above each wheel a massive triton figure in gilded walnut wood to represent the spreading of the news of good government.
The main body is carved to represent palm trees framing the doors and windows.
It features paintings of Roman gods and goddesses representing human skill and endeavour. These include the arts, sciences, virtue, security, and the harvest goddess Ceres setting light to weapons in a sign of peace and prosperity overcoming war.
The front panel includes a figure of Britannia sitting on the banks of the Thames in London, with the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral just visible. On the roof is a giltwood carving of the British imperial crown being held by three putti, or cherubs, representing England, Scotland and Ireland.
More than 10,000 people are taking part in the staging of the ambitious pageant, which will process through the streets in four acts, as the finale of the weekend’s events.
The celebrations will begin on Thursday, June 2, with the Queen’s birthday parade, which has marked the official birthday of the British sovereign for 260 years, and will end with the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony and a spectacular flypast. Beacons will also be lit through the UK and Commonwealth, with a special ceremony held at Buckingham Palace.
A towering, living sculpture of trees will be lit and projections cast on to the front of Buckingham Palace to highlight the Royal Family’s long history of championing environmental causes. On Friday, June 3, a service of thanksgiving will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral, which the Queen plans to attend.
Arrangements have been tailored for her comfort, however. There will be no ceremonial journey from the palace, while the 96-year-old monarch, who is facing mobility issues, will use a different entrance so she does not have to scale the steep steps. Great Paul, the largest Church bell in the country, will be rung for the service.
It was made in 1882 but fell silent in the 1970s due to a broken mechanism. This is the first time it will have been rung for a royal occasion since it was restored in 2021. On Saturday, June 4, the Queen intends to attend the Epsom Derby, and in the evening attention will turn again to Buckingham Palace for the Platinum Party at the Palace. Stars of stage, screen and pop and rock will perform in front of a crowd of 22,000 people.
On the final day of celebrations, on Sunday, June 5, 60,000 Big Jubilee Lunches will be held across the country and the Commonwealth – ranging from world record attempts for the longest street party to simple back garden barbecues – to encourage community-led events.
Final decisions on the Queen’s appearances across the weekend are not likely to be announced until the day they are due, Buckingham Palace said.
A spokesman said yesterday: ‘The Queen is looking forward to the weekend and will be taking part in the celebrations but her presence will not be confirmed until much nearer the time or even on the day itself.’
Thursday June 2, 2022: Trooping the Colour
More than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will come together in the traditional Parade to mark The Queen’s official birthday, usually held on the second Saturday in June.
Beginning at Buckingham Palace, the procession will move down The Mall to Horse Guards’ Parade, joined by members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages.
Trooping the Colour will close with the traditional RAF fly-past, watched by the Queen and the Royal Family from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Crucially – as revealed today – the balcony appearance is limited to working members of her family, with the Duke of York and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex omitted from the royal line up.
Joining the Queen on the balcony for Trooping will be the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, Princess Alexandra, and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Also set to appear for the historic occasion will be Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and the Wessexes’ children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.