Queen’s state funeral: Everything you need to know
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The state hearse is thought to be based on the 2010 Jaguar XJ saloon and was reportedly designed by the Royal Household and Jaguar Land Rover. According to Bazaar, the Queen was consulted on the plans and approved the final model before her death.
The vehicle was converted and customised by Wilcox Limousines, which is based in Wigan.
The hearse was first used on September 13 and transported the Queen’s coffin from RAF Northolt to Buckingham Palace.
The large windows allow mourners to have a clear view of the Queen’s coffin when it makes the journey from Westminster Abbey to Windsor today.
The clear glass top comes with spotlights to illuminate the casket.
The Queen’s personal royal cypher is also on the sides of the hearse.
Some of the other alterations include thinner roof pillars compared to the standard models and a higher roof.
The state hearse is finished in the shade Royal Claret, the same colour as the official royal and state vehicles kept in the Royal Mews.
When it was in use by the Queen, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament was replaced by a silver-plated bronze model of St George slaying the dragon.
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The special George and Dragon mascot was used for the radiator cap, which was one of the key features of the Queen’s Phantom.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said: “The State Hearse has been designed to allow members of the public to have a clear view of Her Majesty’s Coffin as it travels through London and Windsor.”
Queen Elizabeth II has a storied history with motoring, often favouring Jaguars, Daimlers and Land Rovers.
A statement from Jaguar said: “The passing of Her Majesty The Queen has left everybody at Jaguar Land Rover deeply saddened, and our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this time.
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“Our relationship with The Queen has been a source of great pride for all of us at Jaguar Land Rover.
“Most recently, it was a great honour for us to play a role in Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, marking her historic and extraordinary reign. ”
Because the Queen passed away at the Balmoral Estate in Scotland, the Jaguar wasn’t the first vehicle to carry the coffin.
The coffin was first carried by a Mercedes-Benz limousine provided by local funeral director William Purves.
Prince Philip, who died at age 99 last April, opted for a modified Land Rover, which he also had a hand in designing.
Among the modifications were the open top rear section, where his coffin rested, and the military green colour.
The heavily customised Land Rover Defender 130 Gun Bus was used to carry his coffin to St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
The Duke’s love for the car manufacturer was no secret and he was seen behind the wheel of several models over the past 50 years.
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