The Glass Coach is one of the principal State carriages of the British monarch. Built by Peters & Sons of London in 1881, it had originally been designed as a sheriff's coach, but was purchased by the Crown in time for the coronation of George V in 1911.[1]
.jpg)
It is used each year on various state occasions, but has most famously been employed at royal weddings, either to convey the bride-to-be to the church before the service (as was the case with Princess Margaret in 1960 and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981),[2] or to transport the newlywed bride and groom from church after the service (as happened with Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947).[3] In 2012, it was used to convey Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh to and from Horse Guards Parade for Trooping the Colour.
The Glass Coach is driven by a coachman and may be pulled by either two or four horses.[4] When not in use it is maintained (and often on public display) at the Royal Mews in London.
References edit
- ^ 'The Royal Mews', Pitkin, 1979, 1990
- ^ "BBC - History - Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer's wedding (Pictures, video, facts & news)".
- ^ "Princess Elizabeth's fairytale wedding".
- ^ 'The Royal Mews', Pitkin, 1979, 1990
