2-981-863 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sketches of the Royal Procession at the Opening of Parliament, 1876. 'The Carriages; God save the Queen [Victoria]; The Queen at the Peers' entrance'. There were six state carriages, each drawn by six bays, preceding the Queen's own most splendid carriage, with its eight Hanoverian cream-coloured horses, gaily decorated in blue and gold. Her Majesty sat with the Princess of Wales opposite to her; and everybody said, or meant to say, "God bless them both!" There was no lack of pomp and dignity in the attendance and equipment of this procession. The Yeomen of the Guard marched in front...attired in their quaint Tudor uniform, with halberds carried upright. The marshalmen, the lackeys, the running footmen, and...especially the superb coachmen, in their curly wigs and cocked hats, were objects of admiring comment. It is one of the occasional grand sights of London...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.