State Opening of Parliament
The State Opening of Parliament is an annual event usually held in November, marking the start of the parliamentary session. It is the main ceremonial event of the parliamentary year, attracting large crowds, both in person and watching on television. It has served as a symbolic reminder of the unity of Parliament's three constituent parts - the Sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons for over 500 years.
Before this lavish and colourful ceremony begins, the Yeomen of the Guard search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster in order to prevent a repeat of the Gunpowder Plot of November 1605. The cellars have been searched before the State Opening ever since 1606; however, these days this is for the sake of form only.
The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace in a horse-drawn coach escorted by the Household Cavalry, and processes to the Palace of Westminster. The Royal Standard is flown from Victoria Tower, and gun salutes are fired by artillery troops in Hyde Park and the Tower of London. The Queen is met at the Sovereign's Entrance under the Victoria Tower by the Earl Marshal and the Lord Great Chamberlain, and escorted to the Robing Room.
Wearing the Imperial State Crown and Parliamentary Robe, the Queen then leads the procession (made up of parliamentary and government officers) through the Royal Gallery towards the chamber of the House of Lords. The Great Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance, symbols of Sovereign power and authority, are carried in front of her.
The ceremony is held in the Lords Chamber rather than in the Commons Chamber due to an incident that happened in 1642. King Charles I entered the Commons Chamber and attempted to arrest five members, but the Speaker defied the King, and refused to tell him where the members were hiding. Ever since that time, no monarch has entered the House of Commons.
Traditions surrounding the State Opening of Parliament can be traced back to at least the 16th century. The current ceremony dates from the opening of the rebuilt Palace of Westminster in 1852 after the fire of 1834.
When the Queen sits down, the Lord Great Chamberlain signals to the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod to summon the House of Commons. As Black Rod reaches the Commons, the door to the chamber is slammed in his face - symbolising the independence of the Lower House.
Black Rod then strikes the door three times with his staff, and in reply to the challenge "Who is there?" answers "Black Rod". On gaining entry, he goes to the Table, where he announces the Queen's summons to attend. At this point, it is usual for some of the senior Members of Parliament to heckle him, as an indication of the Commons' right to deliberate independently of the Sovereign.
The Serjeant at Arms (carrying the Mace) leads the procession to the Lords with Black Rod. The Prime Minister and Opposition Leader, MPs and Senior Commons officials follow them. In another traditional expression of disregard, MPs take their time when making the short trip between the two chambers, and are generally rowdy during their approach. When the Commons finally arrive at the Bar of the House of Lords, they bow to the Queen, and remain at the Bar for the Speech.
The Lord Chancellor delivers the official copy of the speech to Queen. This speech is known as the Speech from the Throne or the Queen's Speech, and is prepared the Government and approved by the Cabinet. It contains an outline of the Government's policies and proposed legislative programme for the new parliamentary session. The final words of the speech - "Other measures will be laid before you" - give the Government flexibility to introduce other legislation as necessary.
Following the Speech, the Commons bow to the Queen again and return to their Chamber. The Queen leaves, the Royal Standard is taken down from the Victoria Tower and the Union Flag hoisted.
Following the State Opening, each House meets separately to begin debating the contents of the speech; and a new session is under way.
