After exchanging vows before, well, the world on May 19, royal couple Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will then take a scenic journey around Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage to commemorate their very first moments of marriage.
The latest announcement from Kensington Palace on Wednesday, May 2, revealed that the bride and groom have officially selected the Ascot Landau carriage from the Royal Mews to ride from St. George’s Chapel through the Town of Windsor to greet their beloved fans.
“The carriage is one of five Ascot Landaus in the Royal Mews. The carriages are used in official and ceremonial state events, such as Coronations, Royal Weddings and State Visits,” the palace announced. “There will be one horse-drawn carriage in the Carriage Procession from St George’s Chapel, which will take the newly married couple through Windsor Town returning to Windsor Castle along the Long Walk.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have selected the Ascot Landau for when they marry at Windsor Castle. (Courtesy Kensington Palace)
The Ascot Landau is sentimental especially since it pays tribute to the late Princess Diana, who oftentimes chose to ride in this particular carriage over other options. Prince Harry also rode in the Ascot Landau in his brother’s 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton. (The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose the Imperial State Landau for their wedding day carriage, which was held in London.)
In the event of rain, the palace is also prepared with a backup option of the Scottish State Coach. This particular option—which includes large glass windows and a roof—was commissioned by Prince Adolphus in 1830. Nearly a century later, in 1920, Queen Mary received the carriage as a gift.
The Scottish State Coach will be used in the case of rain when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marry at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, London. (Courtesy Kensington Palace)
That wasn’t the only teaser from palace officials related to the carriage ride. “Storm and Tyrone, father and son, are two of the Windsor Grey Horses who will pull the Ascot Landau carriage on the wedding day,” the palace added. In the official press release, the palace included additional details about the horses. “The Carriage will be pulled by four Windsor Grey Horses, with a further two acting as outriders. The horses Plymouth and Londonderry will be the two outriders, and Milford Haven, Sir Basil, Tyrone and Storm will be the four pulling the carriage,” the statement read.
Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle will take part in a Carriage Procession around Windsor after their wedding on May 19th.
Go behind the scenes at The Royal Mews to learn more the Carriages and Horses that will be used: https://t.co/cKM7KpTgAF pic.twitter.com/HDHj2awXBq
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 2, 2018
The carriage route will depart from Windsor Castle on the Castle Hill side and it will process along High Street into Windsor Town. It will return to Windsor Castle by way of the Long Walk, the palace revealed.
Escorting the carriage will be the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. The couple will be riding solo through the town, while the rest of the wedding party, including best man Prince William, will go directly to the castle for the first leg of the reception.
Follow along with The Knot for all things related to the royal wedding leading up to and during May 19.
