While millions will recognise the
glittering Imperial State Crown at the State Opening of Parliament,
two other historic symbols of royal authority will also take centre
stage during the ceremony. The Great Sword of State and the Cap of
Maintenance are among the oldest and most important pieces of royal
insignia still used by the monarchy today. Both are carried in
procession ahead of the…
Dressed in black ceremonial robes and
carrying an ebony staff topped with a golden lion, Black Rod is one
of the most recognisable – and mysterious – figures in British
public life. Every year during the State Opening of Parliament,
millions watch as the royal…
One of the strangest traditions of the
State Opening of Parliament sees an MP ceremonially “held hostage”
at Buckingham Palace while the monarch travels to Westminster. The
ancient custom, which dates back to the reign of Charles I and the
English Civil War, is…
A Labour MP will be ceremonially “held
hostage” at Buckingham Palace during the State Opening of
Parliament in a centuries-old tradition dating back to the reign of
Charles I. The parliamentarian – who on this occasion is the MP for
Scunthorpe, Sir Nic Dakin – remains at the Palace while the monarch
travels to Westminster to deliver the King’s Speech. Sir Nic will
only be released…
When King Charles III ascended to the
throne in September 2022, Britain was already in political turmoil.
Liz Truss was occupying Downing Street at the time, having only
just succeeded Boris Johnson days before the death of Queen
Elizabeth II. Less than four years later…
Anticipation is building ahead of this
week’s King’s Speech, when Charles III will formally unveil the
government’s legislative plans for the coming parliamentary
session. The speech, delivered from the throne in the House of
Lords on Wednesday, is expected to…
A new ceremonial portrait of Princess
Anne in her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the British Army’s
Intelligence Corps has been unveiled in London. The painting, by
acclaimed British portrait artist Louise Pragnell, was revealed on
Friday and will go on public display during London Craft Week at
Painters’ Hall in the City of London. Commissioned by the
Intelligence Corps in 2024, the…
Princess Alexandra made a notable
appearance alongside senior members of the Royal Family as King
Charles III led tributes to Queen Elizabeth II on what would have
been the late sovereign’s 100th birthday. The 89-year-old royal,
whose public appearances have become…
As Britain marks the 100th anniversary of
the birth of Queen Elizabeth II, an old constitutional question has
resurfaced: how will history ultimately remember the late
sovereign? For many, she will simply remain Elizabeth II – the
longest-reigning monarch in British…
Plans for a permanent national memorial
to Queen Elizabeth II have been unveiled in London on what would
have been the late monarch’s 100th birthday. The tribute, to be
created in St James’s Park, will feature a prominent bronze statue
of the Queen in the early years of her reign, positioned to
overlook The Mall near Buckingham Palace. The sculpture is expected
to become the centrepiece of…
