The Duke of Edinburgh joined Scotland’s
newly elected MSPs at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on Wednesday
for the traditional Royal Kirking of Parliament. Prince Edward
attended the centuries-old ceremony marking the beginning of a new
parliamentary session following last week’s Scottish Parliament
election. The service, held in the historic cathedral on
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile…
The Princess of Wales surprised royal
fans by revealing a “new name” while speaking Italian during a
visit to Italy this week. Catherine, who is still widely referred
to as ‘Kate’ by many members of the public, introduced herself as
“Catarina” while chatting…
Prince William reveals Princess Charlotte’s passion for football during Windsor Castle ceremony
14th May 2026
Prince William has spoken about Princess
Charlotte’s enthusiasm for football during an investiture ceremony
at Windsor Castle. The Prince of Wales discussed his daughter’s
interest in the sport while presenting former England footballer
Kerry Davis with an MBE for…
MP reveals what it is really like being ‘held hostage’ by The King at Buckingham Palace
14th May 2026
A Labour MP has spoken about his
experience of being ceremonially “held hostage” by The King during
the State Opening of Parliament. Sir Nic Dakin, the MP for
Scunthorpe, spent Wednesday morning at Buckingham Palace as part of
a centuries-old royal tradition dating back to the reign of Charles
I. The unusual custom sees a government whip kept at the Palace
while the monarch travels to…
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…
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 intended to guarantee the Sovereign’s safe
return from the Palace of Westminster after delivering the King’s
Speech. But…
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…
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 attract unusually intense
political scrutiny as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attempts to
relaunch his premiership following…
