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 The distinctive claret and black 1977 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI will
have its damaged paintwork and windows repaired by the royal
couple's wedding day, officials promised. The car was damaged Dec. 9
when a mob protesting student fee hikes hit the car with sticks and
bottles.
"There was paint damage and damage to the glass," said Alex Garty,
transport manager at Buckingham Palace. "The repairs are ongoing.
We're using that opportunity to give her a 60-minute makeover, so
she will look her best for the wedding."
Royal brides have typically arrived for their weddings in special
horse-drawn coaches, but Middleton has decided to travel to the
church by car.
After the ceremony, she and Prince William will ride in an
open-topped 1902 State Landau horse-drawn carriage for the
procession back to Buckingham Palace, unless inclement weather leads
them to use the famed "Glass Coach," which has a fixed roof to keep
rain at bay.
The 1902 State Landau, housed at the Royal Mews near Buckingham
Palace, was built for King Edward VII for use at his coronation. It
is typically used by the queen to meet foreign heads of state on
official visits to Britain. [to top of second column]
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Charles used it to travel to St. Paul's Cathedral for his 1981
wedding, leaving the cathedral with Princess Diana.
The crowd-pleasing Glass Coach, which will be used only if there is
steady rain, was built in 1881. In the past it has been used to
carry royal brides, including Diana and Sarah Ferguson, to their
weddings.
Charles' press office Tuesday released details about the procession
indicating there would be five horse-drawn carriages.
The first would carry William and his bride. The next two carriages
would carry Prince Harry, the best man, and Pippa Middleton, the
maid of honor, and the bridesmaids.
The next carriage will carry Queen Elizabeth II and her husband,
Prince Philip, followed by a carriage with Prince Charles, Camilla,
the duchess of Cornwall, and Michael and Carole Middleton, the
bride's parents. [Associated
Press; By GREGORY KATZ]
Copyright 2011 The Associated
Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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