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The Royal Mews are at the side
of Buckingham
Palace near Buckingham Gate.
The royal stables were established
on this site by George III in 1762, and in 1825 George IV
commissioned John Nash to redesign the Royal Mews to accommodate
the horses and coaches used on state occasions.
The entrance is through the riding
school to the oldest part of the mews, and the horses are
exercised every day. The stables can hold up to 30 horses,
usually named by her Majesty.
When not used for state occasions
the horses, Windsor greys and Cleveland bays, are moved to
Windsor to 'holiday'. Above the stables are the living
quarters of the grooms and chauffeurs.
The state coaches are the highlight
of the Royal Mews, with the ornate Gold State Coach, built
1761 and the earliest royal carriage in existence. This
coach was commissioned by George III for his wedding and coronation
but he was married and crowned before the coach was completed.
It takes eight horses to pull the Gold State Coach, and is
so heavy it can only be pulled at walking pace.
Every coach and landaus has its
own function. The Irish State Coach was purchased by
Queen Victoria, and used for the State Opening of Parliament.
The 1910 Glass Coach s nearly always used for royal weddings,
including the Queen's marriage to Prince Philip in 1947, and
the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles in 1981.
A room beyond the stables is
has the harnesses and liveried uniforms displayed in glass
cases.
Opening times and displays may
change at short notice. The Royal Mews are closed during Royal
Ascot week in June, and on state occasions.
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