Carriages, The Royal Mews

The State Carriage. Photo: Charlotte Gawell.

One of Europe's finest carriage collections is open to the public at the Royal Mews. Amongst the carriages are the well-known state coaches, one of which dates back to 1897. The most regularly used carriage today is Karl XV´s parade coupé, which is always used to transport new ambassadors to the Royal Palace of Stockholm during formal audiences.

Coaches and sleighs from 1840 to present are stored in the garrets of the carriage house.

The oldest and most fragile carriages are protected against damp and mould in rooms on the ground floor.

The State Coach

The State Coach (picture above) was constructed for King Oskar II's 25th anniversary as regent in 1897. It was built by Ad Freyschuss Hofvagnsfabrik in Stockholm and cost SEK 7,958 to make. Type and Uniform: Historic; Six-in-hand with team rider on the left leading-horse. Now: Four-in-hand. Usage: State Coach, Opening of the Swedish Parliament, State Visits, Formal Audiences

Karl XV Parade Coupé. Photo: Charlotte Gawell.

Karl XV Parade Coupé

Purchased by Karl XV in 1859 from Lauenstein & Co. Hamburg, Germany. Type and uniform: Four-in-hand carriage, Grand parade uniforms. Usage: Formal audiences and incoming state visits (follows the state coach)

Coupé

Made in Copenhagen by F.C Schultz in circa 1890. Type and Uniform: Two-in-hand
Parade uniform, Frockcoat with a high, black hat and black cockade.

Historic Usage: Transportation to the Royal Court. Usage Today: Accompanying carriage for formal audiences.

Stanhope Phaeton. Photo: Charlotte Gawell.

Stanhope Phaeton

Brought in from Germany by Queen Victoria. Type and uniform: Two-in-hand or four-in-hand.

Historic Usage: Used by Queen Victoria. Usage today: Exhibitions, walks.