On 19th September 2022, President Ruto arrived at Buckingham palace with first lady Rachel Ruto for the burial of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles III who ascended to power a fortnight ago had called for the meeting in honour of her mother, the queen, inviting leaders all over the world.

World leaders and top state dignitaries from all around the world were seen onboard luxury coaches for travel to Buckingham palace.

The reason they used luxurious buses was because there were more than 2000 VVIPs and the palace, hence much had to be put into consideration, safety being the top priority and ease of congestion at the palace.

An exception was made for some leaders such as US president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden who arrived in their vehicle convoy chauffeured at the middle in the luxurious ride, The Beast.  French President Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte also arrived in their motorcade.

Netizens from across the world, Africa mostly, elicited reactions as to why their leaders are being transported in bus coaches. It has however been clarified that all world leaders used the coaches to arrive at Buckingham palace.

Let us take a look at the bus coach President Ruto and First lady Rachel Ruto used to the Buckingham palace event.

Richmond Coaches

Dr. Ruto and several other dignitaries and heads of state such as Samia Suluhu, Tanzania’s president, boarded the all-electric Van Hool model, Richmond coach to the palace.

Richmond coaches is a family-run business in the UK established in 1946. The bus company has over 60 staff and 30 qualified and licensed drivers to drive in the UK and other countries. Drivers are trained and have experience in dealing with different types of groups from students to diplomats.

Richmond coaches have a variety of buses ranging from 16, 25, 38, 49, 53, 79 and 81 seaters all with sophisticated technology to ensure a smooth ride to the destination. The bus has reading lights, a fridge, a breathalyzer immobilizer, air conditioning, seat television screens, reclining seats and seat belts, a washroom facility and a hot and cold drinks facility.

It also has double glazing; two tinted glass layers for privacy, reduced noise and prevent loss of heat.

The buses have an installed Traction Control System (TCS) to help maintain the friction between the road surface and the tires during harsh weather conditions on poor roads. To aid the TSC, the bus is also equipped with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).

Traction control, according to automobile experts, is most effective when accelerating from a stopped or slowed position, or when trying to accelerate up a slippery hill.

Additional facilities specified are Wi-Fi, DVD players to play films and fold tables for working during the journey. The bus fleets are managed to a high standard of luxury. The buses are all modern, properly air-conditioned and immaculate inside and out.

“Our investments in modern vehicles, systems and technologies, further improving fuel efficiency, safety and passenger comfort, are reflected in our refreshed identity and livery,” Richmond states on their website.

Most vehicles used by the company founded in 1946 by Harold Richmond Victor are manufactured by Belgian coach makers Van Hool.

The other type of bus (white) that world leaders boarded to the event were DJ coaches, a coach service in the UK.