King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament.
This historic ceremony, which traces its roots back to the 15th century, serves to unite the three pillars of Parliament: the Crown, the Peers, and Members of Parliament.
The monarch and Camilla travelled from Buckingham Palace accompanied by military bands and grand processions.
The event marks the formal reopening of Parliament following a break, providing the government with an official platform to outline its legislative agenda for the year ahead.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament.
|GETTY
The event marks the formal reopening of Parliament following a break, providing the government with an official platform to outline its legislative agenda for the year ahead.
|GETTY
Upon entering the Lords Chamber, all present rose to their feet in recognition of the sovereign.
King Charles is dressed in full ceremonial regalia, donning both the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State for the occasion.
The proceedings began in the robing room, from which the monarch lead a formal procession through Parliament's gallery.
This stately march culminates with the King taking his position upon the throne in the House of Lords.
Once seated, he addressed those assembled with the traditional words: "My Lords, pray be seated."
The monarch and Camilla travelled from Buckingham Palace accompanied by military bands and grand processions.
|GETTY
This ritual brings together elected representatives and peers in one chamber for the reading of the government's legislative programme.
Following this formal address, the Black Rod – who serves as the King's official messenger – proceeded towards the House of Commons chamber where elected MPs conduct their business.
A distinctive ritual then unfolded: as the Black Rod approached, the Commons door was deliberately shut in their face.
This symbolises the independence of the elected chamber from royal authority.
King Charles will wear the Imperial State Crown.
|PA
Buckingham Palace ahead of the State Opening of Parliament.
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The Black Rod then struck the door three times using their ceremonial staff before being permitted entry.
Once inside, they formally requested that MPs accompany them to the Lords Chamber, where the assembled parliamentarians heard the King deliver his address.
The Lord Chancellor presented the speech to the monarch, who read it aloud to the assembled members of both Houses.
The King's Speech represents the focal point of the entire ceremony, a tradition stretching back centuries.
This ritual brings together elected representatives and peers in one chamber for the reading of the government's legislative programme.
|GETTY
Though King Charles delivers the address, the content is drafted by the government and outlines their priorities for the coming parliamentary session.
Today's speech contains over 35 bills and draft bills, addressing matters relating to environmental policy, economic affairs and healthcare.
Following the conclusion of proceedings, the King will return to Buckingham Palace.
MPs will then debate the government's proposals in the Commons this afternoon, with an opportunity to question the prime minister for the first time since last week's elections.
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