One of the most important dates in the parliamentary calendar is the State Opening of Parliament. This is a ceremonial occasion to formally open the new session and includes a speech from the Sovereign.
For the first time since 1963, the Queen will not attend the State Opening this year. Instead, the Prince of Wales will attend and deliver the speech on her behalf.
What is the State Opening of Parliament?
The State Opening of Parliament marks the beginning of a new parliamentary session and the monarch usually gives a speech to formally open the new session. It takes place on the first day of a new session which is usually held in May or June. However, the State Opening can be held at any time of the year depending on when General Elections are held.
Events leading up to the ceremony
A couple of historic traditions take place before the State Opening of Parliament.
On the morning of the State Opening, the cellars of the Palace of Westminster are searched by the Yeomen of The Guard. This tradition is carried out for ceremonial purposes to prevent a gunpowder plot (since the attempted gunpowder plot of 1605 when Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the House of Lords).
Before the Sovereign leaves Buckingham Palace, a ‘parliamentary hostage’ is delivered to ensure the safe return of the Sovereign. This is usually a Member of Parliament who is ‘kept prisoner’ by the Lord Chamberlain at the palace until the Sovereign returns. Nowadays, this is purely carried out for ceremonial purposes.
The arrival of the Queen
Traditionally the Sovereign travels to the Palace of Westminster in the State Coach escorted by the Household Cavalry. However, in recent years the Queen has chosen to travel in the State Bentley which is more comfortable and practice for her.
The Queen arrives at the Palace of Westminster and enters using the Sovereign’s Entrance. Upon entering the palace, the Queen usually heads to the Robing room to put on the Parliament Robe of State and Imperial State Crown. In the last few years, however, the Queen has opted to wear day dress. Instead of wearing the crown, it has been carried on a cushion and placed beside her.
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Afterwards, the Queen proceeds along the Royal Gallery to the House of Lords chamber where she sits on a throne at the southern end. After instructing the Lords to take their seats, the Queen signals for the Gentleman/Lady Usher of The Black Rod (a parliamentary official responsible for ceremonial events) to summon the House of Commons. Black Rod proceeds to the Member’s Lobby and approaches the entrance to the House of Commons Chamber. Traditionally the doors of the House of Commons are slammed shut in Black Rod’s face. This has been a tradition since the Civil War to symbolise the house’s independence from the Sovereign. Black Rod then strikes the door 3 times before being admitted.
Upon entering the House of Commons, Black Rod states:
“Mr Speaker, the Queen commands this honourable house to attend Her Majesty immediately in the House of Peers”
The Speaker, the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and other MPs then proceed to the House of Lords to listen to the speech.
The Queen’s Speech
Once the members of the House of Commons have arrived, the Lord Chancellor presents the speech to the Queen. Traditionally, the speech is written on goatskin vellum and produced from a satchel carried by the Lord Chancellor.
The Government writes the speech which outlines the legislative agenda for the upcoming year. The Queen delivers the speech in a neutral tone and does not offer any indication of approval/disapproval. It is customary for members of both houses to listen to the speech quietly and respectfully.
Once the Queen has finished reading her speech, the new Parliamentary session officially begins.
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