The state and royal cars of the United Kingdom are kept at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, where a wide range of state road vehicles (including horse-drawn carriages) are kept and maintained. The vehicles also are stored at other royal residences as required.
These cars can be separated into State Cars, Semi-State Cars, Royal Review Vehicles, Mews support cars and other private vehicles.
State Cars are used for public engagements and on ceremonial occasions by the monarch and those representing them or supporting their role as head of state. There are currently five State Cars: two Bentleys and three Rolls-Royces. They are used by the monarch on state and formal occasions, and may also be used by senior members of the Royal Family for official duties. They have been used by the monarch when travelling abroad, as well as at home, and are also made available for heads of state visiting the UK. State vehicles do not display registration plates.
State Royal Review Vehicles are modified cars designed for use at some official parades and ceremonies. There are currently two Range Rovers. These, likewise, do not have number plates; nor does the State hearse (an addition to the Royal Mews fleet which was first used in 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II).
Semi-State Cars "are used for less formal situations and general support". Currently, there is a pair of 2012 Jaguar XJ Limousines and three 1992 Daimler DS420 Limousines. In 2022, they appear to have been supplemented by two or three Range Rovers.
In addition the Royal Mews maintains an array of Land Rovers, Range Rovers, luggage brakes and minibuses for official royal use. These and the Semi-State Cars do have number plates, as do the monarch's personal vehicles and those of other members of the royal family.
General description
British State Cars and official limousines are dual-toned: the lower sections are painted in Royal Claret (a deep maroon), while the upper sections are painted Masons Black; they also feature discrete vermilion pinstriping. State cars past and present have tended to be limousines with long-wheelbase and have powerful engines for speed when required. They are designed to be imposing and dignified forms of transport for the Head of State. Characteristic design features - such as a raised roofline, bright interior illumination, enlarged windows and sunroofs - enable onlookers to see the occupants clearly.
On the bonnet of each State and Semi-State Cars there is a mount to which a mascot is attached. The mascot used depends on the occupant and the location. Three mascots, which have passed through the family, are frequently seen: St George and the Dragon is seen on the Monarch's car in England; a Lion is seen on the Monarch's car in Scotland; and Britannia is also seen, a mascot used by George V, George VI, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and Charles III, when he was Prince of Wales. When the car is not on state business, the standard manufacturers' mascot is used.
These cars ordinarily have fittings on the roof for a shield and a flagpole. When used by the Monarch, the shield displays the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom and the flag is the Royal Standard; or, where relevant, one of the monarch's personal flags with an appropriate shield may be used. (At one time, use of the Standard was limited to 'major function[s] where there are troops, or the Streets are lined, or there is a Guard of Honour to be inspected', and the flag signified which car was to be saluted.) Since the 1950s the monarch's cars have been provided with back-lit shields which are illuminated at night. Other Coats of Arms and flags are used, depending on the purpose and context of the journey. For instance, some senior members of the Royal Family display their own shields; otherwise, a red shield with a crown is displayed if the car is carrying 'another Member of the Royal Family or someone representing the [monarch]', or is part of a royal procession.
The State and official vehicles are driven by royal chauffeurs, overseen by the Head Chauffeur and (as part of the Royal Mews Department) under the overall supervision of the Crown Equerry. The State Cars are numbered, with cars one and two being normally (but not exclusively) reserved for the use of the monarch. The monarch is always driven by the Head, Deputy Head or Assistant Head Chauffeur; a number of 'first chauffeurs' are responsible for driving other members of the Royal Family, and general duties are undertaken by the 'second chauffeurs'. The chauffeurs are also responsible for day-to-day care and maintenance of the motor vehicles.