Rituals dating back centuries fill a grandiose ceremony marking the new parliamentary term. Here’s a look at how it unfolded.
The King’s Speech marks the formal start of the parliamentary calendar, bringing together the monarchy, the House of Lords and the House of Commons for a ceremony filled with rituals dating back more than 500 years.
The pomp and pageantry kicks off when the King leaves Buckingham Palace in his state coach, making his way to the Houses of Parliament in a procession.
The Monarch is led by the Household Cavalry, which consists of the two most senior regiments in the British Army: The Life Guards and The Blues & Royals.
The King then leads the Royal Procession through the Royal Gallery to the chamber of the House of Lords before taking his seat.
At that point, the King signals for the House of Lords official to summon MPs from the House of Commons.
Black Rod obliges, only for the Commons door to be slammed in their face upon arrival.
This tradition, which dates back to the mid-1600s and the English Civil War, is used to symbolise the Commons’ independence from the monarchy.
Black Rod bangs on the door three times with their rod before it is opened and then all MPs follow them back to the Lords to hear the speech.
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