State coach

This article is about a type of coach. For other uses, see State Coach (disambiguation).
Northumberland State Coach (1826) for the Duke of Northumberland
A state chariot from Hanover

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.[1]: 154 [2]: 101, 102 

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.[1]: 44, 154 [2]: 85  The word chariot was used in England, and coupé in France.[3]: 95 

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference smith was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference berkebile1978 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference mackaysmith was invoked but never defined (see the help page).