115-602: The Robe of State (also known as the Parliament Robe ) is a robe worn by the British monarch on state occasions. A monarch typically has a robe made for their coronation and reuses it when attending the State Opening of Parliament at the start of each legislative session. Traditionally the robes have an ermine cape with a long train made of crimson coloured velvet, trimmed in gold lace and lined with ermine. The Robe of State
230-416: A "speech from the throne". The monarch gives a speech but it does not focus on or direct government policy. In Sweden, the practice of having a speech from the throne given by the monarch was held until 1974, coinciding with the rewrite of the constitution of Sweden which removed formal involvement of the monarch in the legislative process. The old opening of the legislature was called "The Solemn Opening of
345-538: A Canadian province. In Quebec , however, the speech is referred to as the "Opening Address" ( French : Allocution d'ouverture ). In each of the Canadian territories, the commissioner reads the Throne Speech or Opening Address to the legislature. In British overseas territories that have instituted this practice, the relevant governor delivers the speech. A throne speech is not typical in the devolved legislatures within
460-667: A Sovereign's Escort, and other members of the armed forces line the processional route from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster. At the monarch's arrival, the national anthem is played, a gun salute is sounded in Green Park and the Royal Standard is hoisted in place of the Union Flag at the top of the Victoria Tower (where it remains until the monarch departs). The monarch
575-663: A bill pro forma to symbolise their right to deliberate independently of the monarch. In the House of Lords, the bill is called the Select Vestries Bill , while the Commons equivalent is the Outlawries Bill . The bills are considered for the sake of ceremony only, and do not make any actual legislative progress. For the address in reply, a chosen member moves "That a humble Address be presented to His Majesty, as follows". The following
690-682: A fire in 1512. Afterwards another of the King's residences was on occasion used (in 1523, for instance, the State Opening took place at Bridewell Palace , and the Mass beforehand at Blackfriars Priory ). When (in 1530) the King moved into the Palace at Whitehall , however, the ceremony returned to Westminster. In 1536, the State Opening was held for the first time in the White Chamber of the Palace of Westminster, which
805-592: A humorous one given by a member selected in advance. The consideration of the address in reply to the Throne Speech is the occasion for a debate on the Government's agenda. The debate on the Address in Reply is spread over several days. On each day, a different topic, such as foreign affairs or finance, is considered. The debate provides an indication of the views of Parliament regarding the government's agenda. Following this debate,
920-525: A remarkable visual similarity between State Openings of the 16th and 21st centuries. In both cases, the monarch sits on a throne before the Cloth of Estate, crowned and wearing a crimson robe of state; at his right hand sit Cardinal Thomas Wolsey , Archbishop of York and Lord Chancellor , with arms above under a cardinal's hat, and William Warham , Archbishop of Canterbury , with arms above. Behind stands Cuthbert Tunstall , Bishop of London and Lord Keeper of
1035-530: A result, the speech no longer marks the opening of a session of parliament but the start of a new parliamentary year. In Norway, the monarch is required by article 74 of the constitution to preside over the opening of a session of the Storting (which happens every October) after it has been declared to be legally constituted by the president of the Storting. The monarch delivers the speech before parliamentarians in
1150-729: A short inaugural address termed the Allocution , after which the premier reads his or her Discours d'ouverture (Opening Speech), called the Message inaugural from 1974 to 1984. In Hong Kong , the governor's address was termed the Policy Address during Chris Patten 's governorship. In the Irish Free State , the governor-general delivered the Governor-General's Address to Dáil Éireann ; only two were ever given, in 1922 and 1923. In
1265-405: A speech from the throne would outline the policies and objectives of the monarch; the speech was usually prepared by the monarch's advisers, but the monarch supervised the drafting of the speech at least to some extent and exercised final discretion as to its content. In modern constitutional monarchies , whether by law or by convention, the head of state or their representative reads the speech from
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#17328452575281380-621: A speech, but these speeches, in contrast, do not outline any government agenda. Many republics have adopted a similar practice in which the head of state , often a president , addresses the legislature; in the United States, the president makes an annual State of the Union address, in the Philippines the president makes an annual State of the Nation Address . In parliamentary republics where
1495-723: A speech. In the United Kingdom, the speech is known as His Majesty's Most Gracious Speech , the Gracious Address , or, less formally, the King's Speech (or Queen's Speech , when the reigning monarch is female). In Canada, it is known as the Speech from the Throne (often shortened to Throne Speech ) (in French: Discours du Trône ). Since 1973, the lieutenant governor of Quebec has delivered
1610-592: A throne speech, such as when, in 2011, Brigette DePape , a page in the Canadian Senate , interrupted Governor General David Johnston 's reading of the Speech From the Throne by standing and holding a sign calling for the then Prime Minister, Stephen Harper , to be stopped. Formally, the motion that follows the speech merely calls on parliament to thank the monarch or viceroy via an Address in Reply. The debate is, however, often wide-ranging, exploring many aspects of
1725-538: A tradition developed for this command to be greeted with a defiant topical comment by republican-leaning Labour MP Dennis Skinner , upon which, with some mirth, the House rose to make its way to the Lords' Chamber. This customary intervention was omitted by Mr Skinner in 2015, claiming that he had "bigger fish to fry than uttering something", due to a dispute over seating with the Scottish Nationalists. Skinner resumed
1840-497: A viscount, and 2 for a baron. Thus there are 2 dukes, both wearing ducal coronets, the first holding a Marshal's Baton, thus he is the Duke of Norfolk , Earl Marshal of England. William Weston , Prior of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem , premier baron in the roll of peers, dressed in black, sits at the end of the cross-bench. The judges (red-robed and coifed ) are on the woolsacks in
1955-535: A vote is taken on the Government Programme. This vote is treated as a vote of no confidence and losing this vote will automatically trigger a general election. When the Fixed-term Parliaments Act was in force, a general election was not automatically triggered if the vote was lost. Since 1901, the monarch has opened Parliament in person on all but six occasions. In 1929 and 1935 King George V
2070-492: Is 18 feet 4.5 inches (5.601 m) in length and at the end of the train measures 4 feet (1.2 m) in width. The entire train is lined with ermine and the outside has a border of ermine several inches thick. There is also a border of gold lace and several ermine tails. Elizabeth II's robe was used for the coronation of her daughter-in-law, Camilla , in 2023 after adjustments by Ede & Ravenscroft. State Opening of Parliament The State Opening of Parliament
2185-485: Is a ceremonial event which formally marks the beginning of each session of the Parliament of the United Kingdom . At its core is His (or Her) Majesty's " gracious speech from the throne " (also known as the King's or Queen's Speech), which is read by the monarch but written by HM Government . In the speech the monarch gives notice of forthcoming state visits , before setting out the government's legislative programme for
2300-464: Is a ceremony filled with historical ritual, constitutional symbolism and practical significance relating to the governance of the United Kingdom. Parliament is composed of the Sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and a State Opening is the only routine occasion when the three are gathered together in one place. The monarch is seated on the throne, at one end of the chamber in front of
2415-399: Is addressed to "My Lords and Members of the House of Commons", with one significant exception that the monarch says specifically, "Members of the House of Commons, estimates for the public services will be laid before you", since the budget is constitutionally reserved to the Commons. The monarch reads the entire speech in a neutral and formal tone, implying neither approval nor disapproval of
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#17328452575282530-723: Is greeted on arrival by the Lord Great Chamberlain (who has oversight of the royal areas of the Palace of Westminster) and the Earl Marshal (who has responsibility for State ceremonial), before proceeding to the Robing Room, where he or she puts on the Parliament Robe of State and the Imperial State Crown . A procession is formed of heralds , Great Officers of State and members of the Royal Household, and when all
2645-655: Is ready a fanfare is sounded and the monarch proceeds in State through the Royal Gallery to the House of Lords. Directly ahead of the monarch walk two peers: one (nowadays usually the Leader of the House of Lords ) carrying the Cap of Maintenance , and the other (nowadays generally a retired senior military officer) carrying the Great Sword of State . Once seated on the throne, the monarch, wearing
2760-527: Is still the monarch who officially opens the annual session but he no longer gives a "speech from the throne"; the monarch is invited by the Speaker and delivers an introductory speech and then declares the session open. After the speech, the Prime Minister delivers a statement of the upcoming government agenda ( Swedish : Regeringsförklaring ) for the forthcoming legislative year is made. In Thailand ,
2875-538: Is the form used in the House of Lords and is nearly identical to that used in the House of Commons: Most Gracious Sovereign, We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, beg leave to thank Your Majesty for the most gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament. The first speech of the debate in the Commons is, by tradition,
2990-562: Is where the House of Lords sat; and so began the custom of the State Opening taking place in the Upper House of Parliament. Since that time the ceremonial has evolved, but not dramatically. In 1679 neither the procession nor the Abbey service took place due to the Popish Plot conspiracy theory; although the procession was subsequently restored, the service in the Abbey was not. The monarch's role in
3105-467: Is worn by the monarch for their entrance into Westminster Abbey for their coronation . It is worn subsequently for the State Opening of Parliament and from this association derives its alternative name of Parliament Robe. Recent kings Edward VII , George V and George VI all wore the Cap of State in conjunction with the robe at their coronations but Charles III chose not to do so. The Robe of State remains in place during Recognition, Acclamation,
3220-509: The Archbishop of Canterbury ( Geoffrey Fisher in 1959 and Michael Ramsey in 1963), empowered by the Queen. The Queen also missed the 2022 State Opening on the advice of her doctors. That session was opened by her son Charles, Prince of Wales and her grandson Prince William, Duke of Cambridge who, in their capacity as Counsellors of State , were empowered to do so by Letters Patent issued by
3335-576: The Australian states , the relevant governor reads the speech, though the Australian monarch may also perform the task: Queen Elizabeth II opened the parliaments of some of the Australian states in 1954 and of New South Wales in 1992. In almost all the Canadian provinces , the relevant lieutenant governor delivers the speech; it is uncertain whether the Canadian monarch can do the same in any legislature of
3450-536: The Cloth of Estate (with the consort , if present, seated alongside), flanked by an entourage of Great Officers of State and members of the Royal Household . The Lords are seated on "the floor of the House" (i.e. in the main body of the chamber), while the Commons attend at "the bar of the House" (the boundary rail at the far end, facing the throne). In addition to the Lords themselves, others are provided with seats on
3565-767: The Commonwealth realms , the speech from the throne is an oration that forms part of a ceremony marking the opening of parliament . Some records indicate the ceremony has taken place since the Middle Ages , while others place its origins in the 16th century, when England was still an absolute monarchy . The speech explained to parliament the reasons it was summoned and sometimes set out the sovereign's policies and objectives. The monarch would sometimes speak to parliament in person; Edward III (in 1365), Richard II , and Edward IV did so to both houses of parliament on multiple separate occasions. However, various other figures gave
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3680-561: The Leader of the Opposition followed by The Deputy Prime Minister , First Secretary of State or another member of the government and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition usually walk side by side, leading the two lines of MPs. The Commons then arrive at the Bar of the House of Lords. The only people required to bow are the House of Commons Speaker, Commons Clerk, senior Lords official Black Rod and
3795-448: The Parliament of Canada in 1957 and 1977. Another member of the royal family may also perform this duty, such as when, on 1 September 1919, the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII ) read the Speech From the Throne in the Canadian parliament. On two occasions, the administrator of the Government delivered the address to the Parliament of Canada: 16 May 1963 and 30 September 1974. In
3910-432: The Parliament of Malaysia in joint session during its state opening yearly every March. In accordance with the constitution , the king addresses parliament at the beginning of its yearly session on the second Friday of October. The speech may only be made legally binding if it is read before both houses of parliament. Additionally, the monarch addresses the nation on the anniversaries of his accession ( Throne Day ),
4025-493: The Prime Minister and their cabinet members , and reflects the legislative agenda for which the Government seeks the agreement of both Houses of Parliament . It is traditionally written on goatskin vellum , and presented on bended knee for the monarch to read by the Lord Chancellor , who produces the scroll from a satchel-like bag. Traditionally, rather than turning their back on the Sovereign, which might appear disrespectful,
4140-661: The Revolution of the King and the People and the Green March . In the Netherlands, the speech from the throne is held annually on the third Tuesday in September, which is called Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day). Article 65 of the constitution states that "A statement of the policy to be pursued by the Government is given by or on behalf of the King before a joint session of the two Houses of
4255-695: The Riksdag " ( Swedish : Riksdagens högtidliga öppnande ) and was full of symbolism. The speech was given before the Riksdag in the Hall of State at the Royal Palace . The King would be seated on the Silver Throne as he gave his speech. Prior to 1907, the monarch and the princes of the royal blood would also wear their royal and princely robes and their crowns and coronets . After Oscar II 's death, his successor, Gustav V
4370-502: The Senate , it is Bill S-1 , an Act Relating to Railways. The texts of these two bills have nothing to do with either oaths of office or railways ; instead, they contain near-identical wordings that explain their pro forma function. In Australia and New Zealand, by contrast, no pro forma bills are introduced; there, the respective houses of representatives instead consider some brief and non-controversial business items before debating
4485-607: The Serjeants-at-Arms of the Royal Household who escort the regalia in procession. The monarch travels "in State" from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, arriving at the Sovereign's Entrance under the Victoria Tower . Travelling in a state coach , the monarch is usually accompanied by his or her consort and sometimes by other members of the royal family. Senior members of the Royal Household follow in other carriages. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment provides
4600-480: The bishop of Winchester in 1410; in 1453 and 1467, the bishop of Lincoln ; the bishop of Rochester in 1472; and the keeper of the Privy Seal in 1431. It may have been written by or with the input of the king's or queen's advisers, but, the monarch, as supreme governor, was the principal author. Today, within the tenets of constitutional monarchy , the speech is written by the sitting cabinet , with or without
4715-415: The chamber of the Storting . The heir to the throne also regularly accompanies the monarch. Upon the monarch's arrival in the chamber, the members of the Storting stand and the first verse of the royal anthem, Kongesangen , is sung. The monarch is handed the speech by the prime minister and proceeds to deliver the speech while all remain standing. Afterwards, the monarch and members take their seats and
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4830-588: The monarch makes a speech at a joint session in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall , advising the National Assembly in their work. Many republics also hold a yearly event in which the president gives a speech to a joint session of the legislature, such as the State of the Union address given by the president of the United States and in most U.S. states, where the governor gives a similar State of
4945-413: The 14th century, with the first visual depictions dating from the 15th century. The most recent State Opening was held on 17 July 2024 , after the 2024 United Kingdom general election . It was the second of Charles III's reign, the first of the newly elected Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer , and the first State Opening with a Labour government since 2010. The State Opening of Parliament
5060-549: The Address in Reply. In Japan, the emperor makes only a short speech of greeting during the National Diet opening ceremony; he does not refer to any government policies, instead allowing the Prime Minister to address political matters, as in the contemporary cases in Sweden and Denmark. Malaysia also has the same practice, with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong making such an address to
5175-403: The Commons were checked against the sheriffs' election returns. The Peers were robed and sat in the Painted Chamber at the Palace of Westminster ; the Commons were summoned, and stood at the Bar (threshold) of the Chamber. A speech or sermon was then given (usually by the Lord Chancellor ) explaining why Parliament had been summoned, after which the Lords and Commons went separately to discuss
5290-429: The Coronation the monarch is enrobed by the Lord Great Chamberlain who is assisted by the Groom of the Robes and the Master of the Robes . A new Robe of State is often commissioned ahead of each coronation. They are traditionally in the same style, a waist-length ermine cape with a long crimson velvet train, lined with ermine and trimmed in gold lace. George III's Robe of State was made by Ede and Ravenscroft and
5405-442: The Crown; a practice that originated after King Charles I was tried and executed by parliament. In the British House of Commons , the other business raised is by tradition the Outlawries Bill , while the House of Lords reads the Select Vestries Bill ; neither proceeds past the first reading . In the House of Commons of Canada , the bill considered is Bill C-1 , an Act Respecting the Administration of Oaths of Office, while in
5520-412: The Guard . This is derived from the 1605 Gunpowder Plot , an attempted assassination of James VI and I in which Guy Fawkes was caught guarding gunpowder in the cellars hours before the king was to open the second session of the Blessed Parliament . Since that year, the cellars have been searched, now largely, but not only, for ceremonial purposes. This is supervised by the Lord Great Chamberlain , and
5635-459: The House of Commons when it is sitting.) The door-closing ritual, however, predates the 1640s, and although it has long since come to symbolise the independence of the Commons, its primary purpose (according to Erskine May ) is for the Commons to establish Black Rod's identity. Once this has been achieved, Black Rod cannot be refused admission, and all other business of whatever kind in the Commons chamber must cease. The doors having been opened,
5750-412: The House of Lords, proceeds to the Members' Lobby of the House of Commons , and reaches the doors of the Commons. On Black Rod's approach, the Doorkeeper of the Commons orders that the doors are slammed shut against them, symbolising the rights of parliament and its independence from the monarch. The Usher of the Black Rod then strikes with the end of their ceremonial staff (the Black Rod) three times on
5865-437: The Imperial State Crown, instructs the House by saying, "My Lords, pray be seated"; his or her consort, if present, sits on a throne to the sovereign’s left, and his or her children, if present, may be provided with seats elsewhere on the dais. The Imperial State Crown has not been worn invariably: for example, on four occasions in the 20th century Parliament was opened by as yet uncrowned monarchs (i.e. after their accession to
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#17328452575285980-417: The Imperial State Crown; but otherwise delegated the opening of Parliament to Lords Commissioners (one of whom was usually the Prince of Wales). It was not until the latter's accession as Edward VII in 1901 that the full state ceremonial of the event was restored (with the king being in regular attendance and reading the speech himself). King George V resumed wearing the Imperial State Crown in 1913. During
6095-406: The King!’ after which the monarch is greeted with three cheers. The monarch and his retinue leave and the joint session is declared to be closed. The monarch returns to the palace in the coach and, along with other members of the royal house, appears on the palace balcony. Following the 1983 revision of the constitution, a parliamentary session changed from lasting a year to lasting for four years. As
6210-401: The Lord Chamberlain's routine absence from the State Opening was said to be due to "the department over which his lordship presides not being acknowledged in His Majesty's Palace at Westminster" (where the Lord Great Chamberlain instead has the equivalent authority). Hostage MPs in recent years (all of whom were serving as Vice-Chamberlain of the Household at the time) have included: Before
6325-448: The Lord Chancellor walks backwards down the steps of the throne, continuing to face the monarch. Lord Irvine of Lairg , the Lord Chancellor at the time, sought to break the custom and applied successfully for permission to turn his back on the sovereign and walk down the steps forwards. The next Lord Chancellor, Jack Straw , continued the former tradition but succeeding Lords Chancellor have mostly chosen to walk forwards. The whole speech
6440-423: The Privy Seal . The Cap of Maintenance and Sword of State are borne by peers standing before the monarch on the left and right respectively; the Lord Great Chamberlain stands alongside, bearing his white wand of office, near the Garter King of Arms in his tabard displaying the royal arms (Thomas Wriothesley himself, the illustrator). Members of the Royal retinue are arrayed behind the King (top right). In
6555-421: The Queen for the occasion, the Prince of Wales reading the Queen's Speech (from the consort's throne) on behalf of his mother. Speech from the throne A speech from the throne , or throne speech , is an event in certain monarchies in which the reigning sovereign, or their representative, reads a prepared speech to members of the nation's legislature when a session is opened. The address sets forth
6670-406: The Queen was absent on the day at short notice due to "episodic mobility problems", the heir-apparent to the throne and his elder son (the then Prince of Wales , now Charles III, and the Duke of Cambridge , now Prince of Wales) were appointed under the authority of section 6 of the Regency Act 1937 to open Parliament as Counsellors of State , with the then- Prince of Wales reading the speech from
6785-478: The Report on the State of the Realm, an account of the government achievement of the past year, is read (traditionally in Nynorsk ), customarily by the youngest member of the government present. The members and monarch rise and the monarch is presented with the report by the prime minister and the monarch returns the speech and report to the president. The president gives some remarks and closes with "May God preserve our King and country", joined by other members of
6900-406: The Robe of State of his father, Edward VII, for his first state opening of parliament but a new Robe of State was made for his 1911 coronation. This was made by Wilkinsons of Maddox Street, London. The Robe of State of George VI was of crimson velvet, trimmed in ermine and with a border of gold lace. The robe was draped over the King's coffin at his lying in state. His grandson, Charles III, wore
7015-400: The Serjeant-at-Arms. No person who is not a member of the Upper House may pass the Bar unbidden when it is in session; a similar rule applies to the Commons. They remain standing at the Bar during the speech. The monarch reads a prepared speech, known as the " Speech from the Throne " or the "King's/Queen's Speech", outlining the Government's agenda for the coming year. The speech is written by
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#17328452575287130-417: The Sovereign's Entrance, under the Victoria Tower , the Crown is passed by the Bargemaster to the Comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain's Office , under the watchful eye of the Crown Jeweller . The regalia are then carried to be displayed in the Royal Gallery . Also in the procession, usually in King Edward VII's Town Coach , are the two maces (separate from the three used by parliament) which are carried by
7245-401: The State Opening took on greater symbolic significance as an occasion for the full constitution of the State (Monarch, Lords and Commons) to be seen. In this period, the parliamentary gathering began to be preceded by an open-air State Procession (which often attracted large numbers of onlookers): the Monarch, together with Household retinue, would proceed in State from whichever royal residence
7360-436: The State Opening very much in mind; the choreography of the modern ceremony may be said to date from 1852, when the "Victoria Tower entrance" was used for the first time, and likewise "the Royal Staircase, Norman Porch, new Robing Room and Royal Gallery", establishing the modern processional route. Between 1837 and 1861, Queen Victoria missed the State Opening on only four occasions (each time due to pregnancy); but following
7475-493: The State Opening was conducted in a "dressed-down" manner, due to the snap general elections held in those years. On these occasions the Queen attended in day dress, rather than the traditional ceremonial robes of state, and the Imperial State Crown was carried in front of the Queen rather than worn. Inside the Palace, there were reduced numbers in the procession, and outside motor cars were used in place of horse-drawn carriages (and no military escort accompanied them). Otherwise,
7590-416: The States General that is held every year on the third Tuesday in September or on such earlier date as may be prescribed by Act of Parliament." The monarch travels from Noordeinde Palace by coach to the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) in the Binnenhof of The Hague to read the speech before a joint session of the States General . Following the speech, the president of the joint session calls out 'Long live
7705-445: The Storting and the first verse of the national anthem is then sung. After the monarch and his retinue have left, the meeting is adjourned and the speech and report are first debated at the subsequent sitting. In Spain, speeches from the throne used to be practiced before the declaration of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931. With the restoration of the Spanish monarchy in 1975, the monarch still opens parliament but no longer gives
7820-409: The UK the same person as their respective sovereign, the speech from the throne will usually be read on the monarch's behalf by his or her viceroy , the governor-general , although the monarch may deliver the address in person: Queen Elizabeth II read the Throne Speech in the Parliament of New Zealand in 1954, 1963, 1970, 1974, 1977, 1986, and 1990, the Parliament of Australia in 1954 and 1974, and
7935-423: The United Kingdom during the parliamentary session. The monarch concludes the speech in saying: "My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels." Traditionally, the members of both houses of Parliament listen to the speech respectfully, showing neither approval or dissent towards its contents before it is debated in each house. This silence, however,
8050-441: The United Kingdom; the nearest equivalent is a statement of the legislative agenda of the executive branch, usually given by a first minister. However, the British monarch often undertakes visits and speaks to the devolved bodies in a less official capacity. During her reign Queen Elizabeth II was present and gave an address at all openings of the Scottish parliament , usually speaking reflectively upon its accomplishments and wishing
8165-490: The Yeomen are paid for their services with a small glass of port wine . Peers and peeresses assemble in the House of Lords. The Lords Spiritual and the Lords Temporal wear their Parliament robes for the occasion. They are joined by senior representatives of the judiciary, who sit on woolsacks in the centre of the Chamber, and members of the diplomatic corps, who are seated behind the Bishops. The Commons assemble in their own chamber, wearing ordinary day dress, and begin
8280-623: The administering of the Coronation Oath and the first part of the service of Communion. The Robe of State is removed for the Anointing ceremony, during which the monarch wears the plain Colobium sindonis ("shroud tunic") to symbolise they are divesting themselves of worldly vanity. The monarch later dons the Supertunica , Robe Royal and Imperial Robe for the final parts of the ceremony. During
8395-512: The arrival of the sovereign, the Imperial State Crown is brought to the Palace of Westminster, together with the Great Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance , in their own carriage (usually Queen Alexandra's State Coach ). The King's Bargemaster and Watermen accompany it, acting as footmen (a reminder of past times when the regalia were brought from the Tower of London by river). On arrival at
8510-555: The business in hand. The monarch normally presided, not only for the Opening but also for the deliberations which followed (unless prevented by illness or other pressing matters); the Painted Chamber was one of the monarch's private apartments. In the Tudor period, the modern structure of Parliament began to emerge, and the monarch no longer attended during normal proceedings. For this reason,
8625-422: The centre (two Chief Justices , eight judges, and four Serjeants-at-Law ), and behind them kneel the clerks (with quills and inkpots). At the bottom of the picture members of the House of Commons can be seen behind the Bar of the House, with Thomas More , Speaker of the House of Commons , in the centre, wearing his black and gold robe of state. The Palace of Westminster ceased to be a royal residence following
8740-602: The ceremony remained largely the same. In 2021, the ceremony was scaled down due to the COVID-19 pandemic . The Queen wore day dress and arrived by car at Westminster, where seating was restricted: 74 were allowed in the Lords Chamber, whilst 34 further MPs and peers were able to participate from the gallery. To prevent the spread of the virus, mask-wearing and testing was enforced, and the Lord Chancellor did not directly pass
8855-483: The chief doorkeeper of the House of Commons introduces Black Rod. At the bar, Black Rod bows to the Speaker before proceeding to the table, bowing again, and announcing the command of the monarch for the attendance of the Commons, in the following words: Mr/Madam Speaker, The King/Queen commands this honourable House to attend His/Her Majesty immediately in the House of Peers. During the later decades of Elizabeth II's reign,
8970-603: The closed doors of the Commons Chamber, and is then admitted (there is a mark on the door of the Commons showing the repeated indentations made by Black Rods over the years). This ritual is strongly associated with the occasion when King Charles I stormed into the House of Commons in 1642 in an unsuccessful attempt to arrest five members of Parliament , including the celebrated English patriot and leading parliamentarian John Hampden . (Since that time, no British monarch has entered
9085-399: The consort's throne on this occasion. On certain other occasions through history, ceremonial aspects of the State Opening have been scaled back for specific reasons (including plague in 1593, threats of assassination in 1679 and wartime restrictions in place from 1917-1919 and 1939-1948). On three occasions in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II (namely March 1974, June 2017 and December 2019)
9200-568: The day, as any other, with prayers. Beforehand the Speaker's Procession takes place in the usual way: preceded by a doorkeeper, the Serjeant at Arms , leads the Speaker of the House of Commons from his official residence to the Commons Chamber, followed by his trainbearer, chaplain and secretary. In the Central Lobby, a police inspector makes the traditional cry of "Hats off, strangers!", instructing those assembled to remove their hats in deference to
9315-469: The death of the Prince Consort she avoided ceremonial events. She attended the State Opening in 1866 wearing a black dress and veil rather than the robe of state (which was instead draped over the throne); on this occasion she delegated the reading of the speech to the Lord Chancellor. Victoria attended the State Opening on six further occasions (in the 1870s-80s), wearing a small diamond crown in place of
9430-451: The floor of the House on the occasion of a State Opening, namely: The ceremonial surrounding the opening of parliament can be broken down into several parts (the following descriptions refer to the full ceremonial of the event; for occasions when, for various reasons, reduced ceremonial has been used, see below ): First, the cellars of the Palace of Westminster are searched by the Yeomen of
9545-407: The government's priorities for its legislative agenda, for which the cooperation of the legislature is sought. The speech is often accompanied by formal ceremony. It is often held annually, although in some places it may occur more or less frequently, whenever a new session of the legislature is opened. Historically, when monarchs exercised personal influence and overall decision-making in government,
9660-418: The government's proposed policies, and spread over several days. When the Address in Reply is eventually voted on, the poll is held to constitute a motion of confidence in the government, which, if lost, would result in the end of that government's mandate. In some legislatures, this discussion and vote is preceded by a symbolic raising of other matters, designed to highlight the independence of parliament from
9775-520: The highest-ranking commoner in the realm. On the morning of the State Opening, the Treasurer , Comptroller and Vice-Chamberlain of the Household (all of whom are government whips) assemble with other senior members of the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace, carrying their ceremonial white staves of office. The Treasurer and Comptroller, along with other senior members of the Royal Household, accompany
9890-634: The institution well for its coming term rather than considering the plans of the executive. It is considered improper for the audience, including members of parliament, to show support or disapproval for any content of the speech while it is being read: that is reserved to the debate and vote that follows in legislative chambers or chamber. In 1998 in the UK, when the Queen read out the proposed House of Lords Act 1999 , Labour Party MPs briefly interrupted it by vocalising support while Conservative peers responded with "shame!". Protest, though, has been expressed during
10005-568: The main body of the Chamber, the Bishops are seated on benches to the King's right wearing their parliamentary robes, with the Mitred Abbots behind them. The Lords Temporal are seated to the King's left and on the cross-bench, the status of peers is indicated by the number of miniver bars (white fur edged with gold oak-leaf lace) on their peerage robes: 4 for a duke, 3½ for a marquess, 3 for an earl, 2½ for
10120-531: The monarch in the carriage procession; but the Lord Chamberlain does not join them. Instead, on behalf of the monarch, he remains at Buckingham Palace keeping one MP (the Vice-Chamberlain ) "hostage" for the duration of the state opening, by tradition as a surety for the safe return of the monarch. The hostage MP is well entertained until the successful conclusion of the ceremony, when they are released upon
10235-402: The monarchy and Parliament (a copy of Charles I's death warrant is displayed in the robing room used by the monarch as a ceremonial reminder of what can happen to a monarch who attempts to interfere with Parliament); however it has been suggested that the custom in its present form is of much more recent origin (mention of hostage-taking only dating back to the 1960s or 70s). In 1845, by contrast,
10350-530: The new parliamentary session. No business of either House of Parliament (the House of Lords or the House of Commons ) can proceed until the Sovereign’s speech has been delivered. The State Opening takes place in the House of Lords chamber within the Palace of Westminster on the first day of the new parliamentary session. This traditionally tends to fall in November, but can occur at any time of year (depending on
10465-466: The one legislative chamber. Unusually, in the Irish Free State, the speech was delivered in the lower house of its bicameral parliament. In the United Kingdom, the speech is typically read by the reigning sovereign at the State Opening of Parliament . Traditions surrounding the opening and the speech go back to the 16th century; the present ceremony dates from 1852, when the Palace of Westminster
10580-480: The oration on the sovereign's behalf: between 1347 and 1363, it was read by the chief justice; in 1401 by the chief justice of the Common Pleas ; in 1344, 1368, 1377 (speaking for a presiding Edward III ), 1399, and 1422, by the archbishop of Canterbury ; and in 1343, 1363, and, usually after 1368, by the lord chancellor who was then the prolocutor , or chairman of the House of Lords. It was given on his behalf by
10695-462: The practice in 2016, until he was unseated in 2019. The Speaker proceeds to attend the summons at once. The Serjeant-at-Arms picks up the ceremonial mace and, with the Speaker and Black Rod, leads the Members of the House of Commons as they walk, in pairs, towards the House of Lords. By custom, the members saunter, with much discussion and joking, rather than formally process. The Prime Minister and
10810-439: The president is merely a ceremonial figurehead, these speeches are often similar in tone to the throne speech of a constitutional monarchy, whereas in presidential systems such as the U.S. the speeches are somewhat different in that the president exercises personal discretion over the content but the principle of separation of powers means the legislature is not obligated to follow whatever agenda (if any) may be contained in such
10925-520: The proceedings changed over time: early on, the monarch would say some introductory words, before calling upon the Lord Chancellor (or Lord Keeper) to address the assembly. James I, however, was accustomed to speak at greater length himself, and sometimes dispensed with the Chancellor's services as spokesman. This varying pattern continued in subsequent reigns (and during the Commonwealth, when Cromwell gave
11040-444: The proposals of their Government: the monarch makes constant reference to "My Government" when reading the text. After listing the main bills to be introduced during the session, the monarch states: "Other measures will be laid before you", thus leaving the government scope to introduce bills not mentioned in the speech. The monarch mentions any state visits they intend to make and also any planned state visits of foreign heads of state to
11155-405: The reader's participation, and outlines the legislative programme for the new parliamentary session. Due to the parliamentary tradition of the sovereign being barred from the lower chamber, in those realms possessing a bicameral parliament , the ceremony takes place in the legislature's upper chamber , with members of both houses in attendance. In unicameral parliaments, the speech is read in
11270-460: The safe return of the monarch. The Vice-Chamberlain's imprisonment is now purely ceremonial, though they do remain under guard; originally, it guaranteed the safety of the Sovereign as they entered a possibly hostile Parliament. The tradition is said to stem from the time of Charles I , who had a contentious relationship with Parliament and was eventually beheaded in 1649 during the Civil War between
11385-546: The same robe for his coronation . The velvet was conserved by the Royal School of Needlework , with the lining and gold lace conserved by Ede & Ravenscroft . The Robe of State for the coronation of Elizabeth II was made by Ede & Ravenscroft with embroidery designed and made by the Royal School of Needlework. The ermine used came from Canada. The robe is of crimson velvet with a cape of ermine, with black fur tails. It
11500-460: The speech to the Queen, but placed it on a table next to the throne. The State Opening in May 2022 was also scheduled to take place with reduced ceremonial, due to the Queen suffering "episodic mobility problems" (which eventually led to her being absent on the day). Throughout the twentieth century (including in wartime) the State Opening took place on an annual basis, with the following exceptions: In
11615-506: The speech was strongly criticised at the time. Following the speech, the monarch and his or her retinue leave the chamber. The monarch bows to both sides of the House of Peers and then leaves the chamber, walking in procession back to the Robing Room, before the Commons bow again and return to their Chamber. After the departure of the monarch from the palace, each Chamber proceeds to the consideration of an "Address in Reply to His/ Her Majesty's Gracious Speech." But first, each House considers
11730-512: The speech), but from 1679 onwards it became the norm for the monarch alone to speak. Since then, the monarch (if present) has almost invariably given the speech, with the exception of George I (whose command of English was poor) and Victoria (after the death of Prince Albert). During the Regency of 1811-1820, the Prince of Wales attended in full state and gave a Prince Regent's Speech. A dramatic change
11845-586: The throne, but before their coronation); on these occasions the robe of state was worn but the crown was not (instead it was carried on a cushion by one of the Great Officers of State). Motioned by the monarch, the Lord Great Chamberlain raises his white staff of office to signal the official known as Black Rod to summon the House of Commons. Black Rod turns and, under the escort of the Door-keeper of
11960-484: The throne, but it is prepared by the ministers in cabinet . Of contemporary European monarchies today, this traditional event is held in the United Kingdom, where it is also known as the King's Speech (or Queen's Speech if the reigning monarch is female); the Netherlands , on Prince's Day ; and Norway . In other countries the monarch may or may not attend the opening of the country's legislature; they may also give
12075-426: The timing of General Elections and parliamentary session start dates). It takes place in front of a formal gathering of both Houses of Parliament; the monarch customarily wears the Imperial State Crown and a Robe of State , and members of the House of Lords wear their parliament robes (in contrast to the House of Commons, whose members wear day dress). State Openings of Parliament are documented from as early as
12190-437: The twenty-first century the State Opening continued on an annual basis, with the following exceptions: The Opening of Parliament began out of practical necessity. By the late 14th century, the manner in which the King gathered his nobles and representatives of the Commons had begun to follow an established pattern. First of all, Peers ' names were checked against the list of those who had been summoned , and representatives of
12305-507: The two world wars the ceremonial was reduced, and by necessity modified: for example, in 1940 the entire State Opening took place in Church House, Westminster for reasons of security; and then from 1941-1944 it took place in the Robing Room, which was serving as a temporary chamber for the Lords while theirs was in use by the Commons (whose chamber had been destroyed in the Blitz ). Full ceremonial
12420-508: Was being used, first to Westminster Abbey for a service (usually a Mass of the Holy Ghost , prior to the Reformation), and thence on foot (accompanied by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in their robes) to the Palace of Westminster for the Opening itself. The Wriothesley Garter Book, a 1523 illustration by Thomas Wriothesley , depicts King Henry VIII seated in Parliament in that year. It shows
12535-417: Was broken in 1998, when Queen Elizabeth II announced the government's plan of abolishing the right of hereditary peers to automatically sit in the House of Lords. A few Labour members of the House of Commons cried "yes" and "hear", prompting several of the Lords to shout "no" and "shame". The Queen continued delivering her speech without any pause, ignoring the intervention. The conduct of those who interrupted
12650-488: Was formed of 36 yards (33 m) of red velvet and 116 yards (106 m) of gold lace and was worn over a suit made from cloth of gold . The Robe was 104 centimetres (41 in) wide and 471.5 centimetres (185.6 in) long. The Robe of State for the coronation of Queen Victoria was made by John Hunter and cost £643 8s 9d. The robe was re-used by Elizabeth II for her first state opening of parliament, before she had her own robe made for her coronation. George V wore
12765-428: Was not crowned, and thus did not wear the crown when opening the Riksdag. Instead, the crown and sceptre would be placed on cushions beside the throne and the robe would be draped on the throne. After the abolition of the opening ceremony at the palace, last held in 1974 and only once during the reign of Carl XVI Gustaf , the opening is now held at the Riksdag chamber in the presence of the monarch and his family. It
12880-400: Was occasioned by the destruction of the old Palace of Westminster by fire in 1834. After that, the Painted Chamber (which had been gutted in the blaze) was roofed over and fitted up to serve as a temporary house of Lords, pending the rebuilding of the palace; the State Opening took place there until 1847, when the new Lords' chamber was opened. The new palace was designed with the ceremony of
12995-535: Was rebuilt after the 1834 fire. The ceremony now usually occurs annually, usually in November or December, or soon after a general election. The monarch may, however, appoint a delegate to perform the task in his or her place. Elizabeth II did this during her pregnancies in 1959 and 1963, delivered instead by Lord Chancellor; and again due to ill health in 2022, delivered instead by Prince Charles (now Charles III ) who, along with Prince William , were acting as Counsellors of State . In those countries that share with
13110-459: Was restored for the most part in 1948, with the crown and robes returning two years later (once the Lords had vacated the Robing Room). Queen Elizabeth II opened every session of Parliament during her reign, except in 1959, 1963, and 2022. In 1959 and 1963, she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward respectively and those two sessions were opened by Lords Commissioners , headed by
13225-694: Was too ill to attend; in 1951 King George VI was too ill to attend; in 1959 and 1963 Queen Elizabeth II was pregnant and did not attend. In each of these years Lords Commissioners were appointed to preside over the opening, with the speech being read by the Presiding Commissioner (namely the Lord Chancellor). The speech was prefaced with the words: "My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, We are commanded to deliver to you His/Her Majesty’s Speech in His/Her Majesty's own words". In 2022, when
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