Royal Windsor 2026 – we asked, and you responded.

In recent years, entries in the carriage driving classes have gradually declined. Determined to ensure that our sport, in all its forms remained firmly on the schedule, the dedicated team of stewards began encouraging entries early in the year. Their message—use it or lose it—was clearly heard. With several new turnouts coming forward, numbers in the Private Driving & Light Trade classes were healthy, even without the Royal Mews staff, who had been engaged in ceremonial duties in London the previous day.

Thursday – Private Driving, sponsored by Tom and Gloria Burgess (USA); Light Trade, sponsored by the Carriage Association of America

Despite weather that delivered almost every possible condition—sunshine, wind, rain, hail, thunder and lightning, all within a single afternoon—competitors faced the challenge with determination. They braved the elements, smiled when they could and stayed the course.

There was elegance, functionality, style and, at times, a touch of exuberance. Thanks to the quick thinking of support teams and attendants, any moments that might have become serious were swiftly and safely brought under control.

Judge Mark Broadbent brought depth of experience and knowledge to the ring. He selected his class winners and champion with authority, while also offering helpful and encouraging feedback to newcomers and a timely reminder to more experienced competitors of the standards expected.

When members of the Carriage Association of America asked about the judging criteria for a Private Driving class, many were fascinated by the emphasis placed on the complete turnout. The class seeks the best horse or pony—meaning correct conformation, quality of paces, way of going and consistency—matched to a traditional carriage, safely and appropriately harnessed, and driven by a competent whip who is correctly and smartly dressed, with an appropriately attired groom in attendance. As these classes are judged under British Driving Society standards, correct rein handling in the traditional coachman’s style is highly valued. And, of course, immaculate presentation is essential.

In the United States, comparable classes fall under the banner of Pleasure Driving, with a range of divisions and class styles that are produced and judged somewhat differently. Even so, a well-mannered, well-schooled and high-quality animal will always command attention, whichever side of the Atlantic it appears on.

Friday – Coaching

Friday is always one of the busiest and earliest starts of the week for competitors and stewards alike. Coaching is a major attraction, and as the turnouts assemble on this historic ground within the showground, early arrivals are rewarded with one of the most fascinating spectacles of Royal Windsor. Coaches roll majestically out of lorries and trailers, horses stand patiently to be plaited and harnessed, guests arrive suitably dressed and guards put the finishing touches to their horns. It is one of the most rewarding and educational aspects of carriage driving at Royal Windsor, not least during pre-judging, when the judges are escorted from coach to coach and a wealth of knowledge is shared.

Once pre-judging was complete, and precisely to the minute, the roads within the showground were closed so the 11 coaches could process beside the river. Their route passed the FEI dressage area, where careful coordination was required to ensure timings did not clash, as both disciplines share key access routes. The stewarding team was tested throughout, balancing the needs of all involved, keeping the coaches in close formation, and ensuring the FEI competitors were not disrupted as they prepared for their classes.

To travel on a Road Coach or Park Drag drawn by four fit, beautifully presented horses is a dream for many. To add to that the rare privilege of driving within the Home Park—the King’s garden—makes the occasion all the more special. The route climbs towards the Castle, continues down the Long Walk among the ever-present crowds, and pauses for the traditional drinks stop near the FEI dressage, offering enthusiasts a vivid contrast between historic and modern driving. After the final halt, the coaches thunder through the collecting ring of the main Castle Arena for final judging and prize-giving, always a major crowd draw. This year carried a distinct American flavour, with British-born but American-based Richard Nicolls serving as judge. Few can match the depth of knowledge and experience he brings to the box seat. The horn-blowing judge was Katie Whaley, well known across all divisions of driving and FEI competition, and admired as much for her expertise as for her memorable hats.

Royal Windsor was also honoured to welcome three whips from the United States: Tucker Johnson, James Miller and the elegant and accomplished Misdee Wrigley Miller.

Misdee Miller was named overall Supreme Coaching Champion, ahead of Mark Broadbent driving the superbly restored Quicksilver. Both turnouts were presented to an exceptional standard and were worthy winners in their respective honours.

Friday – RDA Driving for the Disabled, sponsored by Grundon Waste Management Ltd.

Meanwhile, back in the Adelaide Arena, the RDA Driving for the Disabled classes were in full swing. With divisions for drivers who compete within a group and for independent drivers, simply bringing a turnout to the show is a remarkable achievement and one that depends on extraordinary teamwork from volunteers and supporters. As Royal Windsor falls early in the group driving season, it was encouraging to see three turnouts come forward. Having completed their show classes, the drivers were delighted to welcome HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, who stayed to watch the cones phase before presenting prizes alongside the sponsors, Grundon Waste Management Ltd., and representatives of the Rotary Club of Windsor St George, long-time donors of a much-valued trophy. The smiles and unmistakable joy on the faces of the drivers when The Duchess spends time speaking with them make every mile travelled and every tired moment at the end of the day entirely worthwhile.

For the team, Saturday is usually a welcome pause—a chance to catch one’s breath and prepare for Sunday. This year, however, Chief Driving Steward Sarah Dance, whose expertise is central to the smooth running of the week, switched hats and joined Dick Lane in the commentary box for the FEI marathon driving. Drawing on her experience as lead commentator at numerous World Championships for FEI TV, as well as the indoor FEI Driving World Cup series, she kept the crowd fully informed throughout the marathon with time checks, stable names, breeding lines and a host of behind-the-scenes insights, alongside up-to-the-minute positions and results.

Sunday – BDS Pol Roger Meet and Concours d’Elegance

Glorious sunshine welcomed some 26 entrants, including five turnouts from the Royal Household. Gathering in the Adelaide warmup arena, each turnout was inspected for safety and given a running order to help the drive progress smoothly and without delay. For many, taking part is a lifelong ambition; for others, the realities of driving in convoy at a regulated pace can prove rather more demanding. The atmosphere, however, is always electric, and the public never misses the chance to watch the drive-off. This year it was led by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh in her beautiful George IV phaeton, drawn by one of the late Prince Philip’s line of Fell ponies. She was followed by Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, also driving a pony from Prince Philip’s line of Fells, and this time in a tribute to her grandfather she used his much-loved general exercise carriage. For some, this may not have been what they expected; for the wider public, it was a fitting salute to HRH Prince Philip and all that he meant to the world of driving.

Once again, the stewards’ team ensured the occasion ran smoothly. On returning to the showground, the turnouts wove carefully through the FEI access road and back into the main arena. As is customary, once all were lined up, the Royal Household turnouts completed one final lap of honour before leaving ahead of the final presentations. With six turnouts pulled forward, the overall winner was the exceptionally elegant pair driven by Misdee Miller of the United States. Understated, beautifully matched and immaculately presented, they stood out to claim the Doris Zinkeisen Trophy.

And so, another Royal Windsor draws to a close. It was a week of hard work, shared knowledge, occasional challenges and many moments of real enjoyment, as friends and fellow carriage-driving enthusiasts gathered from across the world. Even before the final turnout had left the ring, thoughts were already turning to next year and to how the experience might be made better still for competitors, supporters and spectators alike.