The King will head to Parliament today for the State Opening, even as Westminster is gripped by debate about whether Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is on his way out of Downing Street.
Intense pressure has built around Sir Keir in recent days, following a string of poor election results for his Labour party in polls around the country.
The PM has said he’s got no intention of resigning but the 24 hours before the State Opening were filled by political turmoil.
Four ministers quit his government, hot on the heels of six ministerial aides who gave up their roles after confidence in the PM began to ebb.
At least 89 Labour MPs have called on the Prime Minister to stand aside. However, no one has, yet, put themselves forward to challenge for the role of leader of the Labour Party.
Sir Keir Starmer now faces the strange position of walking into the House of Lords at the head of the 650 MPs who sit in the Commons to hear The King’s speech lay out the plans of a government that no one is sure he will continue to lead in the forseeaable future.
The political uncertainty won’t change the State Opening of Parliament. The King’s Speech, written by the government, is already prepared and it is the agenda of the whole administration, not a personal document from the PM.
However, it is likely that any replacement for Sir Keir Starmer would want to set their own agenda and so the King’s Speech may be of limited lifespan.
There is also a possibility that Labour MPs decide not to vote in favour of the Speech when it is laid before the Commons following the official opening. If that vote is lost then it would lead to no confidence in the PM.
There are a lot of ifs and maybes involved but was is certain is that this is the most tumultuous King’s Speech of the reign of Charles III. On the eve of the May 13th State Opening, reports of potential challenges to Sir Keir as leader of the Labour Party continued to swirl with speculation mounting that Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, is looking for an opportunity to return to the Commons as soon as possible.
The leader of the Labour Party must be an MP. However, there is no obligation for the Prime Minister to be an MP. The King asks the person most likely to be able to form a government to do just that. Although it is unlikely that the Labour Party would accept anyone leading a Labour government from the Lords, the possibility remains on the table.
In the meantime, the full pomp and ceremony of the State Opening of Parliament will unfold in its usual, traditional manner. The Imperial State Crown will be brought to the Palace of Westminster and King Charles and Queen Camilla will arrive by carriage. It is expected The Queen will wear the State Diadem of George IV, an all diamond coronet featuring the symbols of the United Kingdom. The King will put on his Robe of State, made of crimson velvet and ermine, over his uniform and the Imperial State Crown will be placed on his head before he processes to the Throne. From there, he will read the speech written for him by the government.
Another old tradition will be played out. An MP will be ‘kidnapped’ and taken to a royal home for the duration of the State Opening to ensure the safety of the Monarch. They are only released once The King has returned safely from parliament.
Given the turmoil around him. Sir Keir may well be hoping he gets asked to take on the job which King Charles has admitted has become more popular as the recipient is provided with plenty to eat and drink. The PM may well feel in need of tea and sympathy right now. Instead, he will find himself at the heart of one of the strangest State Openings of Parliament of all.
