Everything You Need to Know About Those Absolutely Stunning Procession Coaches

From the color of their robes to the vehicles they rode in, every detail of King Charles III, 74, and Queen Consort Camilla's, 75, coronation weekend was planned ahead of time. But, if you're not a royal aficionado, you might not know the meaning of all these detailed choices. And if you spotted those gorgeous procession coaches and you're looking to learn more, then you've come to the right place.

For the procession, the king and queen consort rode in two different carriages—the Gold State Coach and the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. One has been in the royal family for centuries and the other has only been around for a decade.

With this coronation, many of the details switched between the couple's entrance and their exit from Westminster Abbey, and that applies to their transportation too.

On the way to Westminster from Buckingham Palace (referred to as the “King's Procession”), the king and queen consort rode in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach (seen above).

This coach was built for the late Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012. It was first used at the State Opening of Parliament in June 2014, and it is the newest coach at the Royal Mews (the home to the royal carriages and stables).

Fun fact: The interior panels of the coach were made using objects donated by over 100 historic sites and organizations across Britain.

Meanwhile, following the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla rode in the Gold State Coach, which has been a part of the coronation ceremony for every monarch since 1831, when it was first used for William IV. (So yes, Queen Elizabeth II used the same coach for her coronation in 1953.)

Built in 1762, the Royal Collection Trust notes that it was designed by William Chambers and made by coachmaker Samuel Butler. However, despite its name, it is *not* made of solid gold, and due to its age (260 years) and weight (4 metric tons), it is only ever moved at a walking pace, with 8 horses drawing it forward.

Those are some seriously sick rides.

For more about the royals, listen to the Royally Obsessed podcast with co-hosts Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito. Subscribe now or follow us on Instagram @royallyobsessedpodcast.