A state coach, also known as a gala coach, is a highly decorative ceremonial coach used in Europe by a monarch or head of state on state occasions. 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.
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. The word chariot was used in England, and coupé in France.
The first state coach was built in the mid-1500s by Walter Rippon for the State Opening of Parliament, and most had been built by 1840. 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 that 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.
Early state coaches in England were drawn by cream-colored horses of Hanoverian blood. In the early 1920s they were replaced by black horses. Now, teams of greys are used for the Sovereign, and bay horses are used for other passengers. Horses may be driven, or ridden by postilion.
Another type of state coach is the cardinal's coach, which was painted red and used by cardinals.
| Image | Name | Built | State | Location | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speaker's State Coach | 1698 | United Kingdom | Palace of Westminster London | Built for William III | ||
| Imperial Coach | 1735 | Austria | Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna | Built for Charles VI | ||
| Lord Mayor of London's State Coach | 1757 | United Kingdom | Museum of London London | Built by Joseph Berry | ||
| Gold State Coach | 1762 | United Kingdom | Royal Mews London | |||
| Glass Coach | 1826 | Netherlands | Royal Stables The Hague | Built for William I | ||
| Scottish State Coach | 1830 | United Kingdom | Royal Mews London | Built for Prince Adolphus | ||
| Golden Coupé | 1840 | Denmark | Royal Mews and Carriage Museum, Christiansborg Palace Copenhagen | Built for Christian VIII | ||
| Irish State Coach | 1851 | United Kingdom | Royal Mews London | Built by Thomas Hutton, and later purchased by Queen Victoria. Replicated by Barkers in 1911 when it was destroyed by fire at their shop | ||
| Queen Alexandra's State Coach | 1865 | United Kingdom | Royal Mews London | Built as a town coach, later converted to a state coach for Queen Alexandra | ||
| Glass Coach | 1881 | United Kingdom | Royal Mews London | Purchased by the Crown for George V coronation in 1911 | ||
| Cotillion Coach | 1888 | Denmark | Royal Mews and Carriage Museum, Christiansborg Palace Copenhagen | Miniature coach for Christian IX | ||
| Golden Coach | 1898 | Netherlands | Royal Stables The Hague | Built for Queen Wilhelmina | ||
| State Landau | 1902 | United Kingdom | Royal Mews London | Built by Hooper for Edward VII; drawn by 6 grey horses with three postilion riders | ||
| Australian State Coach | 1988 | United Kingdom | Royal Mews London | Built for Elizabeth II | ||
| Diamond Jubilee State Coach | 2010 | United Kingdom | Royal Mews London | Built for Elizabeth II |