NEW DELHI: King Charles III will formally commence the new session of Parliament on Wednesday, adorned in his ceremonial attire and the crown of state. He will present a speech outlining the legislative agenda of the United Kingdom’s first left-leaning government in over a decade.
The state opening of Parliament is a long-standing political tradition that demonstrates, through meticulously orchestrated ceremonies, the United Kingdom’s transformation from an absolute monarchy to a parliamentary democracy.In this system, genuine authority lies with the democratically elected House of Commons.
Here’s a brief look at the history of the King’s speech:
King’s Speech
The King’s Speech, also known as the State Opening of Parliament, is an annual address that outlines the government’s planned legislation for the upcoming year. The speech is presented in straightforward language, making it accessible to the general public.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his elected government are responsible for crafting the content of the speech. However, it is the king who delivers the address during a combined meeting of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
“The event is a symbol of the monarch’s constitutional role as head of state and is accompanied by centuries of tradition. It is the only routine occasion during which both houses of Parliament and the Crown come together in the same place.” This unique gathering showcases the monarch’s symbolic role and the deep-rooted customs that surround this significant event in the British political calendar.
What’s different this time?
This year’s State Opening of Parliament marks the first sitting of the House of Commons following the July 4 general election, in which Starmer’s left-leaning Labour Party won an overwhelming victory, ending 14 years of Conservative Party rule.
It will give Starmer the opportunity to spell out his government’s priorities and the legislation it intends to pass in the coming year.
History of Monarchs and Parliament Opening
The King’s Speech, a tradition dating back to at least the 15th century, is steeped in historical significance. The event commences at 9:30 am with a search of the cellars beneath the Houses of Parliament by the Yeomen of the Guard, a group of ceremonial bodyguards dressed in traditional Tudor-era uniforms. This practice serves as a reminder of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, in which Guy Fawkes and his fellow Roman Catholic rebels attempted to assassinate Protestant King James I by detonating explosives in the building during the State Opening of Parliament.
Later in the morning, the public spectacle begins with a procession led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament. King Charles III will travel in the Irish State Coach, “an ornate, enclosed carriage drawn by four horses that was first used by Queen Victoria in 1852.”
A separate coach carrying the Imperial State Crown, the Cap of Maintenance, and the Sword of State precedes the monarch.
As a symbolic gesture, a lawmaker is sent to the palace as a hostage to ensure the king’s safe return. This tradition originated from King Charles I’s attempt to arrest lawmakers in 1642 while trying to assert his right to govern without Parliament’s advice and consent. As a result of this incident, which ultimately led to Charles I’s trial for treason and execution, the monarch was prohibited from entering the House of Commons.
Consequently, the opening ceremony is held in the House of Lords, Parliament’s unelected upper chamber.
The Lords dispatch a security official, known as Black Rod, to summon members of the Commons to the joint sitting. In a display of independence, lawmakers traditionally slam the door in Black Rod’s face. Only after Black Rod pounds on the door with staff will the lawmakers proceed to the House of Lords, intentionally taking their time to emphasize the elected house’s true power. Upon arrival, they gather at the back of a chamber filled with lords dressed in ermine-trimmed scarlet robes.
King Charles’ third speech in Parliament
King Charles is set to deliver his third speech and his second since ascending to the throne.
In the previous year, Queen Elizabeth II, at her advanced age of 96, entrusted this vital responsibility to Charles, signalling a gradual shift in power while she remained the reigning monarch.
“The choreography of the day emphasised a queen who was absent and yet still present. Her throne had been removed, but in its place the Imperial State Crown sat propped on a pillow.” Charles, adorned in the uniform of an admiral of the fleet, exuded authority with his gold-braided attire, forgoing the traditional ermine robes.
Following his accession to the throne, King Charles presided over his own regal ceremony, complete with the customary ermine regalia, in the preceding year.
The state opening of Parliament is a long-standing political tradition that demonstrates, through meticulously orchestrated ceremonies, the United Kingdom’s transformation from an absolute monarchy to a parliamentary democracy.In this system, genuine authority lies with the democratically elected House of Commons.
Here’s a brief look at the history of the King’s speech:
King’s Speech
The King’s Speech, also known as the State Opening of Parliament, is an annual address that outlines the government’s planned legislation for the upcoming year. The speech is presented in straightforward language, making it accessible to the general public.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his elected government are responsible for crafting the content of the speech. However, it is the king who delivers the address during a combined meeting of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
“The event is a symbol of the monarch’s constitutional role as head of state and is accompanied by centuries of tradition. It is the only routine occasion during which both houses of Parliament and the Crown come together in the same place.” This unique gathering showcases the monarch’s symbolic role and the deep-rooted customs that surround this significant event in the British political calendar.
What’s different this time?
This year’s State Opening of Parliament marks the first sitting of the House of Commons following the July 4 general election, in which Starmer’s left-leaning Labour Party won an overwhelming victory, ending 14 years of Conservative Party rule.
It will give Starmer the opportunity to spell out his government’s priorities and the legislation it intends to pass in the coming year.
History of Monarchs and Parliament Opening
The King’s Speech, a tradition dating back to at least the 15th century, is steeped in historical significance. The event commences at 9:30 am with a search of the cellars beneath the Houses of Parliament by the Yeomen of the Guard, a group of ceremonial bodyguards dressed in traditional Tudor-era uniforms. This practice serves as a reminder of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, in which Guy Fawkes and his fellow Roman Catholic rebels attempted to assassinate Protestant King James I by detonating explosives in the building during the State Opening of Parliament.
Later in the morning, the public spectacle begins with a procession led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament. King Charles III will travel in the Irish State Coach, “an ornate, enclosed carriage drawn by four horses that was first used by Queen Victoria in 1852.”
A separate coach carrying the Imperial State Crown, the Cap of Maintenance, and the Sword of State precedes the monarch.
As a symbolic gesture, a lawmaker is sent to the palace as a hostage to ensure the king’s safe return. This tradition originated from King Charles I’s attempt to arrest lawmakers in 1642 while trying to assert his right to govern without Parliament’s advice and consent. As a result of this incident, which ultimately led to Charles I’s trial for treason and execution, the monarch was prohibited from entering the House of Commons.
Consequently, the opening ceremony is held in the House of Lords, Parliament’s unelected upper chamber.
The Lords dispatch a security official, known as Black Rod, to summon members of the Commons to the joint sitting. In a display of independence, lawmakers traditionally slam the door in Black Rod’s face. Only after Black Rod pounds on the door with staff will the lawmakers proceed to the House of Lords, intentionally taking their time to emphasize the elected house’s true power. Upon arrival, they gather at the back of a chamber filled with lords dressed in ermine-trimmed scarlet robes.
King Charles’ third speech in Parliament
King Charles is set to deliver his third speech and his second since ascending to the throne.
In the previous year, Queen Elizabeth II, at her advanced age of 96, entrusted this vital responsibility to Charles, signalling a gradual shift in power while she remained the reigning monarch.
“The choreography of the day emphasised a queen who was absent and yet still present. Her throne had been removed, but in its place the Imperial State Crown sat propped on a pillow.” Charles, adorned in the uniform of an admiral of the fleet, exuded authority with his gold-braided attire, forgoing the traditional ermine robes.
Following his accession to the throne, King Charles presided over his own regal ceremony, complete with the customary ermine regalia, in the preceding year.