Today King Charles III was crowned at Westminster Abbey following 39 monarchs who were crowned there since William the Conqueror’s coronation in 1066.  Much of the ceremony was based on historic associations and religious significances but made more relevant to today’s multifaith and inclusive society when he promised to serve the people.
Continuing the tradition, as his mother had done in !953 and his Grandfather in 1937 and other monarchs since 1831, he travelled in the Gold State Coach which was built in 1762.  The huge coach is seven metres long and needs eight horses to draw it as it is very heavy weighing four tonnes and because of its age is only ever used at a walking pace.   Each monarch since Queen Victoria has said how uncomfortable it is and so departing from tradition, the new King and Queen rode in it only on the journey back and used the newer Diamond Jubilee Coach to reach the abbey.
With fewer people supporting the monarchy now it will be interesting to see if the Gold State Coach will be used for a future coronation for the King’s son or grandson