Queen Alexandra's State Coach

Queen Alexandra's State Coach was built around the year 1865, initially as a town coach. Some 30 years later it was glazed and converted into a State Coach for the use of the Princess of Wales (later Queen) Alexandra.

It is usually driven four-in-hand by a coachman. Like all the State Coaches it has a variety of uses but perhaps its best-known regular duty is to convey the Imperial State Crown to and from the Palace of Westminster for the annual State Opening of Parliament. In transit, like the monarch herself, the crown and insignia are entitled to a Household Cavalry escort and receive a royal salute.