Royal Mews

Yesterday, on my way home from San Francisco, I sat next to a very interesting young man. He was a former British Life Guards Cavalry soldier stationed at Buckingham Palace. He was the guy you would see on Regent Street at the Horse Guard Parade Building and Grounds.

He worked in the Royal Mews which is the Royal Stables. Under this classification he is in charge of the horses, carriages and cars. He has worked many royal and state events, most recently Price Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles wedding. He is now retired and living in the U.S.

His name was Alex and he told me many interesting facts.

The Queen's carriage is always drawn by the Windsor Grays.

The palace has two types of horses: Windsor Grays and Cleveland Bays.

Gray horses are rare. You can't just breed two grays to get a gray.

The carriages that are often seen along Rotten Row in Hyde Park are usually carrying Ambassadors.

It is tradition for Ambassadors to present their papers to the Queen.

If the carriage is all closed up and shades pulled, it is empty. I've often see them all closed up and thought someone important was in them, but no, it is just bad etiquette to have an empty carriage open.

This brings me to a new subject. The carriages have been chosen for Prince William and Kate Middeltons wedding procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.

The 1902 State Landau will carry Prince William and Kate from the abbey to the palace. This coach was used in Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding procession as well. There will be 5 coaches that day.

1st: The Bride and Groom

If they have severe rain, they will use the Glass Coach above.

Second and third carriages will be Ascot carriages carrying:

2nd: Maid of Honor and Best Man

3rd: Bridesmaids

Fourth carriage will be a Semi-State Landau carrying The Queen and Prince Phillip.

Fifth carriage will be another Semi-State Landau carrying Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and Mr. and Mrs. Middleton.

(Notice that there is no fancy stuff on top of this one like there is on the Queen's).

Also, I wonder who will ride facing backward? Prince Charles and The Duchess are royalty, but The Middleton's are the Bride's parents and it is their big day. What is the Etiquette?

The Prince and Kate will arrive separately. Kate will arrive in Rolls Royce number 1. Which is just like this one and offers a wide glass back panel so everyone can see her. HH and I saw both of the Rolls Royces when we were in London in Oct., one actually carrying the Queen!