THE STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

His Majesty the King, accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen, recently opened Parliament for the first time since his Accession. We look back at the history of this historic ceremony which is steeped in tradition and symbolism...

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The State Opening is the only regular event to unite the three elements of legislature - the House of Lords, the House of Commons and the Sovereign - together with The Crown in Parliament.

Traditionally, the Monarch travels to the Palace of Westminster in a State Coach, escorted by the Household Cavalry. The Imperial State Crown and regalia travel in front of the Monarch in a carriage of its own. Upon arrival, the King or Queen proceeds to the Robing Room where he/she is bedecked in the long crimson velvet Robe of State. The Monarch then leads the Royal Procession through the Royal Gallery, to the chamber of the House of Lords.

Members of the House of Lords wear appropriate ceremonial robes, and judges of the High Court of Justice wear their wigs. The House of Lords official known as ‘Black Rod’ is then sent to summon the House of Commons. The door to the Commons is first symbolically slammed in his face, which symbolises the Commons’ independence from the monarchy.

Black Rod then strikes the door loudly three times with his ebony staff, or rod, before it is opened, and the 250 Members of the House of Commons follow him back to the Lords Chamber, to stand at the opposite end to The Throne.

The Monarch then leads the Royal Procession through the Royal Gallery, to the chamber of the House of Lords.