World's last royal coachmaker dies at 76, leaving King Charles' coach 98% done

Jim Frecklington, the world's last royal coachmaker, has passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind an almost complete carriage for King Charles III. Born in Parkes, New South Wales, Frecklington's passion for coachmaking began in his childhood when he constructed a cart for his Shetland pony. After a career spanning royal duties in the UK and Australia, he returned to Australia to complete a series of royal carriages.

Despite being diagnosed with cancer and facing a terminal prognosis, Frecklington continued working on the carriage, which was 98 percent finished at the time of his death. The carriage, financed in part by remortgaging his home, features hand-applied gold leaf and timber from Westminster Abbey, alongside modern amenities such as electric windows and air conditioning.

Frecklington's career included notable projects such as the Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee Exhibition replica, the Australian State Coach for the Bicentennial gift, and the Diamond Jubilee State Coach for her 80th birthday. His final carriage, which will be used in King Charles III's coronation, represents the culmination of his life's work in preserving a traditional craft that Frecklington dedicated himself to.