THE KING’S SPEECH, a key event in the UK’s political calendar, is delivered by the Monarch at the State Opening of Parliament. Written by the government, it outlines the legislative agenda and policy priorities for the upcoming parliamentary session.
What is the State Opening of Parliament?
The State Opening of Parliament marks the beginning of a new parliamentary year. It provides the government an opportunity to present its planned bills and policies to Parliament. This event is steeped in tradition and ceremony, symbolising the formal start of the legislative process for the next session.
When Does the State Opening of Parliament Occur?
The State Opening of Parliament takes place on the first day of a new parliamentary session, which typically lasts around 12 months. There are usually five sessions in each Parliament, aligning with the period between general elections. At the end of a session, Parliament is prorogued, formally ending the parliamentary year until the next State Opening.
What Happens During the State Opening?
The ceremony begins with the Monarch’s procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. Upon arrival at the Sovereign’s Entrance, the Monarch leads the Royal Procession to the House of Lords. Black Rod, a senior officer, then summons members of the House of Commons to the Lords Chamber. Before entering, the Commons chamber door is symbolically shut in Black Rod’s face and only opened after he strikes it three times. This tradition dates back to the Civil War, representing the Commons’ independence from the monarchy. Following the speech, a new parliamentary session officially begins.
Traditions and Historical Facts
The traditions surrounding the Monarch’s speech and the State Opening date back to the 16th century. Before the Monarch arrives, the Yeomen of the Guard search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster for explosives, commemorating Guy Fawkes’s gunpowder plot of 1605. The practice of Black Rod banging on the door of the Commons originates from 1642 when Charles I attempted to arrest five MPs, symbolising the Commons’ right to exclude royal messengers.
The Imperial State Crown
The Imperial State Crown, worn by the Monarch during the speech, is adorned with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and 4 rubies, adding to the grandeur of this significant event.
The King’s Speech is not just a ceremonial event but a crucial moment for setting the government’s agenda for the year ahead. It blends historical traditions with the practical aspects of governance, ensuring continuity and respect for the UK’s rich parliamentary history.
