Gouden Koets
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The Gouden Koets (English: Golden Carriage) is a carriage owned by the Dutch government and used by the Dutch royal family.
[edit] History
Queen Wilhelmina received the Golden Carriage at her coronation in 1898, as a gift from the citizens of Amsterdam. The carriage was designed and built by the Spijker brothers.
The vehicle was first used on the marriage of Queen Wilhelmina and Prince Hendrik on February 7, 1901. Since 1903, it has mainly been used once a year, on the day of the Queen's speech (Prinsjesdag).
Other occurances when the carriage was used are:
- the marriage of Princess Juliana with Prince Bernhard (1937)
- the baptism of Princess Beatrix (1938)
- the marriage of Princess Beatrix with Prince Claus (1966)
- the marriage of Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima (2002)
[edit] Material
Although the name suggests the carriage is made of gold, it is actually made of gulden wood. Other parts are richly decorated with paintings. The carriage is build in Dutch Renaissance style and has symbolic ornaments. The carriage is drawn by eight horses.
