The United Kingdom's 1902 State Landau is a horse-drawn state carriage with flexible leather hoods which drop. It is a landau, drawn by six horses under the control of three postilions, with no seat for a coachman. In processions, it is normally used open, with the top lowered, giving spectators a better view of its passengers than provided by coaches and other closed vehicles.
Description
The following description was published in 1905 by Walter Gilbey, founder and chairman of the London Cart Horse Parade Society and president of the Royal Agricultural Society.
History
The carriage was built by Hooper in 1902 for the Coronation of Edward VII and Alexandra and given extra interior space. It was used regularly by Queen Elizabeth when meeting with heads of state. It is housed at the Royal Mews.
Modern use
The 1902 State Landau is owned by the United Kingdom and set aside for the monarch's use within Britain. It is the largest carriage—not coach—used by the sovereign. In the past, the monarch has provided the landau to carry the heir apparent and his bride after their marriage. When rain threatens for an event, the Irish State Coach is substituted.
See also List of state coaches
References
External links
1968 newreel by British Pathé shows the State Landau at 0:00-0:13 seconds