In 1953, the royal cortege traveled eight kilometers through the streets of London. After 70 years, the road will be shorter, as the ceremony at Westminster Abbey is expected to be
On June 2, 1953, when Elizabeth II acceded to the throne, the 260-year-old state carriage (in gold) was used in an eight-kilometer procession through the streets of London. An experience that King described, in 2018, as “terrible” and “extremely uncomfortable”.
Now that the details of Charles III’s coronation are beginning to be revealed, it is known that the king decided to shorten the route on May 6th and that anyone traveling to London will only have two kilometers (four, with a round trip) to try and catch a glimpse of the monarchy.
In addition, the monarchs will also break with tradition and use not one, but two carriages on coronation day: for travel between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, the “Diamond Jubilee” carriage, which was built to celebrate the Queen’s 60th anniversary on the throne and has amenities such as air conditioning, electric windows and suspension .
“Diamond Jubilee” carriage (Yui Mok/PA via AP)
One of the newer carriages in the royal collection, the Diamond Jubilee was built in Australia and delivered to Queen Elizabeth II in 2014, when it was used for the first time at the opening of Parliament.
After the ceremony, which is expected to be shorter and less extravagant than the coronation of Elizabeth II (which lasted three hours), Charles and Camilla will leave Westminster Abbey in the state carriage (in gold), which weighs more than four tons, is four meters high and seven meters long and painted Four horses, and it has been used at every coronation since William IV in 1831.
Those who follow the car “can hear it screeching,” says Martin Oates, who helped restore the carriage and often follows as a brakeman. “It’s not like a washer, but while the other vehicles are retracting, this one moves from side to side,” he says, Quoted by the Associated Press.
According to Hello MagazineThe shortness of the road alarmed those who expected to see the new kings passing through the streets of London. However, the fact that the golden chariot is so heavy and can only go forward at one pace should give the people along the way more time to see the newly crowned king and queen.
With less than a month left, we’ve announced some new festive details about #coronation King and queen consort. Take a look at our thread to learn more 🧵 [1/6]
– The Royal Family April 9, 2023
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