FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS REIGN THE KING AND QUEEN PUT ON A DAZZLING DISPLAY AT THE STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

The historic event was heralded by huge fanfare not seen since 2016

- TRACY SCHAVERIEN

In a spectacular display of pomp and ceremony reminiscent of the coronation, King Charles was back in his royal finery to preside over the first State Opening of Parliament of his reign.

With the Queen at his side, His Majesty used his inaugural King’s speech to pay tribute to his “beloved mother,” Elizabeth II, on a day that included carriage processions through London, ancient traditions and almost 1,400 members of the military.

His address – the first to be made by a king since his grandfather George VI in 1950 – came exactly one week before His Majesty’s 75th birthday and was heralded by huge fanfare not seen at the historic event since 2016. After that date, Elizabeth II had opted for a more low-key approach, at times wearing a day dress and hat.

CORONATION MEMORIES

This time, the formal start of the parliamentary year was marked by a ceremony that pulled out all the stops.

Their Majesties processed from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster in the impressive Diamond Jubilee State Coach, pulled by six Windsor Greys and escorted by the Household Cavalry.

The King wore his Royal Navy dress uniform as Admiral of the Fleet, while Queen Camilla, 76, opted for her ivory coronation gown, which was designed by Bruce Oldfield and features motifs of her pet dogs, Beth and Bluebell, among the embroidery.