The Queen’s historic reign has seen many changes but some things remain constant. Among them is the traditional ceremony which allows Britain’s politicians to get down to business: the State Opening of Parliament.
All laws are passed in The Queen’s name and require Royal Assent, although this is always a formality and hasn’t been refused since 1707. Real power rests with parliament. However, it can’t begin its public business every year until the Monarch has formally opened its new session.
In a ceremony filled with tradition, pomp and pageantry, the Lord Chancellor approaches The Queen and, on bended knee, offers her the speech she will read. The words are taken from a silk bag and addressed to the assembled members of the Commons and the Lords by the Monarch. But they are not her own words. The speech is written for her by the government of the day and it sets out what they intend to do in the parliamentary session to come.
The words are pored over by political analysts but it is the ceremony of the occasion that is a reminder of the ancient power of the Monarchy. The Queen usually travels to the Palace of Westminster by State Coach. Ahead of her, in a carriage of its own, is the Imperial State Crown, the symbol of her power.
Inside the Palace, The Queen goes to the Robing Room where she puts on the Robe of State before processing to the House of Lords via the Royal Gallery. Since the reign of her predecessor, King Charles I, no royal has been admitted to the House of Commons. And in another striking moment of tradition, the Monarch’s messenger, Black Rod, finds the door of the Commons slammed in their face as they approach to ask for the presence of MPs in the other chamber for the Queen’s speech. Three loud raps on the door are needed before anyone will hear the request. The elected representatives then move in procession to the Lords where they listen to the speech.
The Queen has only missed the State Opening of Parliament twice in her long reign. In 1959 and 1963, she was absent from the ceremony because of pregnancy.
And on other, rare occasions she has decided not to wear the full regalia of her role, opening parliament in a coat and hat. The weight of the Imperial State Crown has also meant that, in later years, The Queen has opted not to wear it during the session. However, it must be present as a symbol of her rule and when it’s not being worn, it is placed on a table to the side of her throne.
The State Opening of Parliament remains one of the most important acts in The Queen’s year. It has been performed many times but each of them is a milestone for the Monarch.
