# State Coach

A state coach, also known as a gala coach, is a highly decorative ceremonial coach used in Europe for a monarch or head of state. A four-wheeled vehicle for four passengers, it may be drawn at a walk by six or more horses with postilions, or be driven by two or more horses. The term is also used to indicate a formal town coach used by nobility and the wealthy for formal occasions, drawn by a pair of matching horses.$^{:154}$$^{:101,102}$
A state chariot, also called a gala chariot or dress chariot, is an elaborately decorated four-wheeled vehicle for two passengers for ceremonial occasions; often the front panel is replaced by a glass panel or windscreen.$^{:44,154}$$^{:85}$ The word chariot was used in England, and coupé in France.$^{:95}$

## Overview

The first state coach was built in the mid-1500s by Walter Rippon for the State Opening of Parliament,$^{:72}$$^{:20}$ and most were built by 1840.$^{:102}$ State coaches are still used for royal weddings and other state ceremonial events.
State coaches were built by the best coachbuilders with excellent craftsmanship and the finest finishes. Most state coaches have large glass windows so their passengers can be seen by spectators. The interiors are trimmed in silks and the exteriors decorated with elaborate paintings, figures, coats of arms, gilt-work, and hammercloths. The coachman and footmen wear state livery and the horses are harnessed with ornate state harness.$^{:255–6}$
   The coachmen, footmen, and postilions on state coaches wore ornate livery to match the grandeur of the coaches themselves. ... dressed in appropriately ornate livery coats, richly embellished with gold cords and strappings, worn with silk knee breeches, silk stockings, buckled shoes, and a cocked hat.
Early state coaches in England were drawn by cream-colored horses of Hanovarian blood. In the early 1920s they were replaced by Black horses. Now, teams of grey are used for the Sovereign, and bay horses are used for other passengers. Horses may be driven, or ridden by postilion.$^{:97,255–6}$
Another type of state coach is the cardinal's coach, which was painted red and used by cardinals.$^{:48}$$^{:97}$

## List of state coaches
### Austria

* Imperial Coach — Built c. 1735 for Charles VI

### Denmark

* Cotillion Coach — Miniature, built in 1888 for Christian IX
* Golden Coupé (Denmark) — Built in 1840 for Christian VIII

### Netherlands

* Glass Coach — Built in 1826 for William I
* Golden Coach — Built in 1898 for Queen Wilhelmina

### United Kingdom

The British state coaches are housed at the Royal Mews.$^{:256}$
* Australian State Coach — Built 1988 for Elizabeth II
* Diamond Jubilee State Coach — Built 2010 for Elizabeth II
* Glass Coach — Built 1881, purchased by Crown for George V coronation in 1911
* Gold State Coach — Built in 1762 for George III.$^{:100}$
* Irish State Coach — Built in 1851 by Thomas Hutton, and later purchased by Queen Victoria. Replicated by Barkers in 1911 when it was destroyed by fire at their shop.$^{:123}$
* Lord Mayor of London's State Coach — Built in 1757 by Joseph Berry.$^{:145}$
* Queen Alexandra's State Coach — Built 1865 as a town coach, converted decades later to a state coach for Queen Alexandra
* Scottish State Coach — Built 1830 for Prince Adolphus
* Speaker's State Coach — Built 1698 for William III
* State Landau — Built in 1902 by Hooper for Edward VII. Drawn by 6 grey horses with three postilion riders.$^{:122}$

## Gallery

* A sampling of the variety of state coaches and chariots
* The Papal Grand Gala Berlin, commissioned by Pope Leo XII (1826)
* Dress coach of Ludwig II of Bavaria (1870)$^{:93–4}$
* 18th century Berlin from France
* 1729 gala coupé, Royal House of Portugal