What is the State Opening of the Parliament? What to know
This marks the formal beginning of the parliamentary year as well as the first session after the local elections.
The ceremonial day is steeped in tradition, involving various rituals before the King even appears at parliament.
The event will be marked today. Here’s everything you need to know about the State Opening of Parliament.
How much pomp and ceremony can be expected?
The Kingβs Speech will be preceded by various ceremonial events, one of which includes the Yeoman of The Guard, the royal bodyguards, conducting a search of the Palace of Westminster cellars for explosives.
This tradition pays homage to the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, which was an attempt by a group of English Catholics to blow up the House of Lords.
In another unique tradition, an MP is ceremonially held “hostage” at Buckingham Palace while the monarch attends parliament, a measure intended to ensure the King’s safe return.
This role is usually performed by a Government whip known as the vice-chamberlain of the household.
When will the State Opening of Parliament begin?
The House of Lords will convene in the morning, with peers donning their traditional scarlet robes.
The House of Lords will converge for the event, marking one of the rare times they adorn their traditional attire.
Other dignitaries, including ambassadors and members of the royal family, can also be in attendance.
Just before 11am, the King is expected to make his way from Buckingham Palace to Parliament, escorted by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
The procession will typically feature the Imperial State Crown and other significant items such as the Sword of State.
Upon arrival at the Sovereignβs Entrance, the King will head to the Robing Room to don his ceremonial robes before moving on to the House of Lords.
At around 11.30am, the King is expected to be seated on the throne in the House of Lords chamber.
In the House of Commons, MPs will gather for the Kingβs Speech.
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How are MPs summoned to listen to the King’s Speech in the Lords’ Chamber?
Black Rod, a senior Lords officer, is sent to the Commons to summon MPs to the Lords to listen to the speech.
The entry of Black Rod is a symbolic tradition, where the Commons’ door is slammed in Black Rodβs face.
After knocking three times, Black Rod is given permission to enter.
The tradition, which traces its roots back to the 17th century, signifies the Commonsβ independence from the monarchy.
As the summon is announced, MPs stream through Central Lobby into the Lords, while those who cannot be accommodated watch the proceedings on their phones and tablets.
Only those who can fit, watch from the bar of the House of Lords.
What happens next and why?
After everyone convenes, the King recites a speech written by the government which details legislative priorities for the session in a neutral tone.
It is expected that new legislation is to be announced in the Kingβs Speech which will give the Government the option to bring British Steel into public ownership.
After the ceremony, Parliament will return to normal proceedings, with MPs to continue debating the address, typically for five to six days.
The debate starts after the address is proposed and seconded by two government backbenchers.
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The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition then join in.
Subsequent days see debates on particular subjects, and votes on amendments could follow the week after.
The day of the State Opening ceremony will be free from Westminster Hall debates; however, they resume following the debate on the Kingβs Speech.
Similarly, there will be no urgent questions or ministerial statements on the day, although they can be submitted at a later date.