Kensington Palace has announced Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle have chosen their carriage on their wedding day on Saturday, 19 May 2018, following the service at St George’s Chapel.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have selected the Ascot Landau carriage, pulled by four Windsor Grey horses, for their procession through Windsor town centre and returning to Windsor Castle along the Long Walk.
The Escort of the Household Cavalry will accompany the newlyweds during the procession, which they hope will allow them to express their gratitude towards all the well-wishers who gathered in Windsor to enjoy this special day.
The carriage procession will begin at 1.00 pm along a route from St George’s Chapel, leaving Windsor Castle via Castle Hill and travelling through Windsor town centre along the High Street, Sheet Street, Kings Road and Albert Road, and return to Windsor Castle along the Long Walk.
They will celebrate with 600 guests at the first wedding reception held in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle.
The Prince of Wales will host a second reception for 200 guests at Frogmore House, including family and close friends, about half a mile away.
The Ascot Landau is one of five, built in 1883, which are housed in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace with the Windsor Grey horses who have played important roles in the Royal Family and the nation’s ceremonial life since Queen Victoria’s reign.
They are used for the Queen’s procession at the Royal Ascot meeting and for official visits, including foreign royalty and heads of state, and special occasions, including Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953, the Prince of Wales’ investiture at Caernarfon Castle, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee visits to Glasgow and Cardiff.
Ascot Landaus also transport new Commonwealth High Commissioners when Queen Elizabeth receives them at Buckingham Palace.
Two Ascot Landaus were used in the carriage procession for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in 2011 from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, carrying Prince Harry as the Best Man, the Maid of Honour Pippa Middleton and the Bridesmaids and Page Boys.
However, they have come up with a Plan B in case it rains: The Scottish State Coach which dates from 1830.
The Scottish State Coach has large windows and a glass ceiling making it easier for well-wishers to see the newlyweds when they pass by.
State Cars, including Bentleys, Rolls-Royces and Daimlers, will also be used to transport the Bride and the bridal party to St George’s Chapel, as well as members of the Royal Family.
The Royal Mews, run by the Crown Equerry, is part of the Lord Chamberlain’s Office and houses 30 carriage horses and has 43 staff including liveried helpers, coachmen and chauffeurs.
