The Monarchy Today > Ceremony and symbol

Air travel allows The Queen to visit parts of the Commonwealth never possible for previous monarchs
© Press Association

During five decades as Sovereign, The Queen has used every conceivable form of transportation – from elephant to barge. But most Royal journeys use more conventional forms of transport.

Members of the Royal Family carry out nearly 3,000 official engagements in the United Kingdom and overseas every year.

These engagements involve many journeys, which need to be undertaken in ways which meet presentational requirements, as well as being efficient and secure.

During five decades as Sovereign, The Queen has used every conceivable form of transportation – from elephant to barge.

But most Royal journeys use more conventional forms of transportation: traditional carriages for ceremonial occasions, and State cars, the Royal Train and helicopter for engagements and visits in the UK, and aeroplane for overseas visits. In the past, the Royal Yacht BRITANNIA was also used; this was decommissioned in 1997.


	Air travel allows The Queen to visit parts of the Commonwealth never possible for previous monarchs © Press Association During five decades as Sovereign, The Queen has used every conceivable form of transportation – from elephant to barge. But most Royal journeys use more conventional forms of transport. Members of the Royal Family carry out nearly 3,000 official engagements in the United Kingdom and overseas every year. These engagements involve many journeys, which need to be undertaken in ways which meet presentational requirements, as well as being efficient and secure. During five decades as Sovereign, The Queen has used every conceivable form of transportation – from elephant to barge. But most Royal journeys use more conventional forms of transportation: traditional carriages for ceremonial occasions, and State cars, the Royal Train and helicopter for engagements and visits in the UK, and aeroplane for overseas visits. In the past, the Royal Yacht BRITANNIA was also used; this was decommissioned in 1997.
	Royal visits Tours around the UK and overseas SUGGESTED LINKS Royal Yacht Britannia