The 1902 State Landau was specifically built for King Edward VII in 1902 and was intended to be used at his Coronation. Thirty years ago the same carriage drove Princess Diana and Prince Charles after their wedding. Now, on 29 April, young royals Kate and Williams have opted to travel from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace in the same carrige – The 1902 State Landau!
The State Landau, drawn by four horses, is the most valuable piece of the Royal Mews, the team that includes all of the vehicles (engine or horse) used by the royal family. Also interesting – Kate will go to the Abbey in the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI that was attacked by student rioters as it carried Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in December. At the height of the London protests, the mob smashed a window, daubed the car with white paint and even poked Camilla with a stick through a window. The car’s battered window and bodywork are still being repaired.
Kate has chosen the limousine – a present to the Queen from Rolls-Royce to mark her Silver Jubilee in 1977 – because its large windows will give the public the best possible view as she heads to the Abbey alongside her father on April 29.
Kate has decided to arrive at the Abbey as a commoner in a limo and depart in a royal style in the horse-drawn carriage. William and Kate’s carriage will be led by a squadron from the Household Cavalry and another will be behind. It will be followed by two Ascot Landaus which will carry best man Prince Harry, maid of honor Pippa Middleton with their four bridesmaid and two page boys. A fourth carriage will be a Semi-State Landau carrying Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh. The fifth and final carriage in the procession will be a Semi-State Landau carrying Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall and Mr. and Mrs. Middleton.
The peak of this most anticipated wedding would be when Prince William and Kate will emerge on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to kiss in front of a crowd of up to a million.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1902 State Landau
The 1902 State Landau Ready For Kate And Williams
