What is the king’s speech and what is the state opening of parliament?

What is the king’s speech?

The king’s speech is the centrepiece of the state opening of parliament, the main ceremonial event of the parliamentary calendar, and the only regular occasion when the three constituent parts of parliament – the sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons – meet. It marks the start of the new parliamentary year,

Who writes it?

Although delivered by the monarch in their constitutional role as the UK head of state, the speech is written by the government to outline its policies and proposed legislation for the new parliamentary session. Formally called the “speech from the throne” because it is delivered from the throne of the House of Lords, the monarch reads it out in a neutral tone. Whatever their private feelings the monarch must not show any preference for any political party or its policies.

What is the backdrop to this speech?

The event is taking place as the prime minister, Keir Starmer, fights for his future in Downing Street after heavy losses in the 7 May elections. Royal sources reportedly told Politico on Tuesday that the ceremony could prove embarrassing for the king if he had to read out something that may or may not still be the government’s programme by the end of the week.

Politico said in one recent discussion that Charles’s senior aide asked top government officials whether the king should go ahead with Wednesday’s ceremony, and was told that it was constitutionally correct for the monarch to open parliament on Wednesday as planned. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the report. The palace sees state opening as a matter for the government and it is understood that at no time did, nor would, anyone ever suggest state opening might not go ahead.

What is the history of the king’s speech?

The tradition of a king’s speech has its origins in the medieval parliament, but the speech from the throne as we know it today is said to have evolved in the 17th century when parliament finally established its power over the monarch. The current ceremony dates from the opening of the rebuilt Palace of Westminster in 1852. Much of the modern ritual is said to be a Victorian concoction.

What else happens at state opening?

The king’s procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster uses an ornate horse-drawn carriage and is escorted by members of the Household Cavalry. A separate coach carries the royal regalia – the imperial state crown, the cap of maintenance and sword of state – to Westminster. Charles arrives at the Palace of Westminster Sovereign’s Entrance and goes to the robing room.