AS THE KING AND QUEEN PERFORM HISTORIC CEREMONIAL DUTIES AT THE STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

A NEW ERA BEGINS AFTER LABOUR'S LANDSLIDE ELECTION WIN

- DANIELLE STACEY

Duty called for the Queen on her 77th Clare teamed with a diamond collet Duty called for the Queen Ring The Lecklace, dined wd Van Cleef & Arpels State Opening of Parliament.

And despite sporting a bandage on her right ankle during the royal couple's visit to the Channel Islands earlier in the week after suffering a slight sprain, any dressing was hidden by her robes of state as Her Majesty joined her husband for the ancient ceremony.

His Majesty delivered the second King's speech of his reign from the throne in the Lords Chamber, with a text written by the newly elected Labour Government setting out its agenda for Parliament's new session.

The couple travelled to the House of Lords in the air-conditioned Diamond Jubilee State Coach, escorted by troopers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

Camilla, wearing the glittering George IV State Diadem and an off-white silk crepe embroidered dress by Fiona earrings and a diamond bracelet - smiled as she emerged from the carriage.

The King, in his Royal Navy admiral of the fleet uniform, and the Queen made their way up the 26 steps of the Royal Staircase into the Robing Room.

They emerged 15 minutes later - the King in the 2.3lb Imperial State Crown, and ermine and velvet Robe of State, while his wife also wore a crimson cloak.

TIME-HONOURED RITUALS As tradition dictates, the Imperial State Crown, which contains 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies and 269 pearls, was transported in a carriage of its own ahead of the ceremony, alongside the Cap of Maintenance and the Sword of State.

Her Majesty was accompanied by two of her Queen's Companions - the Marchioness of Lansdowne and Lady Sarah Keswick.