Royal & State

Royal Occasions & State Ceremonials — Private Chauffeur Service

Investitures, garden parties, diplomatic engagements, and state occasions — arranged with the discretion and precision they demand.

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Occasions of the Highest Order

Some occasions are beyond the ordinary: an investiture at Buckingham Palace, a garden party at Windsor, a Diplomatic reception at Lancaster House, a Coronation Year ceremony in Westminster. These occasions demand a chauffeur service that understands their weight.

Mayfair & City Carriages holds a Royal Warrant — an honour that reflects not merely our longevity but the standard of service we provide to those who attend the most significant events in the national calendar. Since 1978, we have chauffeured clients to every kind of royal and state occasion, from the intimate to the ceremonial.

For such occasions, the vehicle is not merely transport — it is part of the occasion itself. Our Rolls-Royce Phantom and heritage Silver Cloud arrive at the Palace gates with the composure appropriate to the moment. Our chauffeurs are briefed on Palace protocol: where to approach, where to wait, and how to conduct themselves throughout.

Occasions We Serve

Investitures Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle
Garden Parties Buckingham Palace, Holyroodhouse
State Banquets Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle
Diplomatic Receptions Lancaster House, Foreign Office
Trooping the Colour Horse Guards Parade, SW1
Coronation & Jubilee Events Westminster, The Mall, Hyde Park
Royal Variety Performance Palladium, London
Memorial Services Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral
The Heritage Fleet

The Appropriate Vehicle for the Occasion

Rolls-Royce Phantom

Our current-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom is the vehicle of choice for investitures and state occasions. Its presence at the Palace gates requires no introduction — it is, in every sense, the appropriate vehicle.

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1962 Silver Cloud III

For Coronation Year events, Jubilee celebrations, and historic occasions, our 1962 Silver Cloud III provides a connection to the Britain of the occasion itself. It remains the most requested heritage vehicle for ceremonial engagements.

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Bentley Flying Spur

The Bentley Flying Spur — hand-built at Crewe, quiet as a library — is the vehicle of those who prefer the Bentley tradition for their most important engagements. Discreet, powerful, immaculate.

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Protocol

Understanding Palace Protocol

Approach & Drop-off

Each royal palace has specific approach routes for private vehicles. Our chauffeurs are briefed on the correct gate, the correct lane, and the correct procedure for dropping guests at ceremonial occasions.

Timing & Punctuality

Royal occasions operate to a schedule of considerable precision. We depart with sufficient time to accommodate any traffic, arriving at the gate with the composure appropriate to the occasion.

Dress & Conduct

Our chauffeurs wear formal livery for royal occasions. They understand that their conduct — from opening the door to their deportment during the wait — reflects on the client they serve.

Diplomatic Engagements

For diplomatic engagements — embassies, High Commissions, Foreign Office events — we are experienced in the particular protocols of diplomatic entry and departure, including the management of escort vehicles.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Which vehicle is appropriate for an investiture?+

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is our most popular choice for investitures at Buckingham Palace — its presence at the Palace gates is entirely in keeping with the occasion. Our 1962 Silver Cloud is chosen by those who wish to arrive in a vehicle with a direct connection to the royal heritage of the era.

Do you know the approach routes for Buckingham Palace?+

Yes — our chauffeurs are briefed on the vehicle approach routes, the correct entrance gates for private vehicles, and the waiting procedures for each type of ceremonial occasion at the Palace.

Can you arrange for multiple vehicles?+

Yes — for occasions where a family group requires multiple vehicles, we coordinate the fleet. All vehicles arrive and depart in coordination, and we manage the approach sequence.

Do you serve diplomatic engagements?+

Yes — diplomatic engagements are a regular part of our service. We are experienced in the particular protocols of embassy, High Commission, and Foreign Office occasions, including where vehicles may and may not approach.

How far in advance should I book?+

For investitures and similar ceremonial occasions, we recommend booking as soon as the date and time are confirmed. Royal occasions are fixed in the calendar well in advance, and we prioritise early bookings for these engagements.

Arrange Your Royal Occasion Chauffeur

Available 24 hours. Response within one hour. Absolute discretion.