Hungary’s defence minister, Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, has raised questions about an unusual military purchase originally linked to King Charles III’s 2023 coronation. The gift never reached London, but the Hungarian army still paid millions of forints for it. The minister now wants to know what happened to the purchase and how much it ultimately cost taxpayers.
The unusual purchase was detailed in a Facebook post published by the minister on Sunday, 20 September . According to Ruszin-Szendi, the previous defence leadership had planned to present the British monarch with an exclusive, four-horse Esterházy-style carriage as a ceremonial gift.
However, the plan was abandoned after the British royal family informed guests that only symbolic gifts should be brought to the coronation.
The carriage nevertheless remained part of Hungary’s military procurement records. Publicly available data from 2023 list the purchase of a specially commissioned Esterházy carriage, raising questions about its intended use after the London trip was cancelled.
How much did the coronation carriage cost?
According to the figures presented by Ruszin-Szendi, the carriage itself cost HUF 10.25 million excluding VAT, or approximately HUF 13 million including tax. Another HUF 5 million was spent on harnesses and ceremonial uniforms.
The vehicle, decorated with Hungary’s coat of arms and national colours, remained in the country. However, its subsequent use and the full costs associated with the purchase have yet to be clarified.
The minister raised several questions: What military purpose was the carriage intended to serve after the original plan was abandoned? How long did it remain unused? Was it subsequently modified, and if so, when and why? He also wants to establish the total amount paid by Hungarian taxpayers.
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Defence minister questions priorities behind purchase
In his statement, Ruszin-Szendi acknowledged that the Hungarian Defence Forces carry out ceremonial duties, including supporting national and military celebrations and preserving military traditions.
Still, he questioned whether these responsibilities justified purchasing such an expensive carriage, and stated that defence spending should prioritise military readiness, properly equipped personnel and the development of Hungary’s armed forces.
He presented the purchase as one of several decisions made under the previous defence leadership that his ministry intends to examine.
Another unusual Hungarian gift to King Charles III
The carriage story follows a separate controversy involving two Hungarian Lipizzaner horses sent to the British royal household in 2024. The horses, Nelson and Iveco, were selected as part of the original gift arrangements for King Charles III. They were subsequently transferred to the Royal Mews under a loan agreement rather than a completed donation.
Earlier this month, Hungary’s agriculture ministry acknowledged that it had sent a letter concerning the termination of the loan. The ministry later said the wording had been incorrect and clarified that Hungary did not intend to bring the horses home.
Here’s the full story: Hungary admits “embarrassing blunderO” over King Charles III’s Lipizzaner horses – updated: another twist
Wider review of military spending continues
The carriage purchase is part of a broader review of contracts and procurement decisions made under Hungary’s previous defence leadership.
Ruszin-Szendi said his ministry would continue examining questionable spending decisions from the past four years. He also indicated that legal action, including filing criminal complaints, would follow where the findings justified such steps.
