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The history and traditions behind the State Opening of Parliament taking place today are what make it such a colourful ceremonial event. You can watch the procession to Parliament in person, view the whole event on television, or follow it online. The Queen's Speech, at 11:30 am, will summarise changes in the law that the new government plans to make. Follow the link below for full details of the Queen's Speech 2010.
1958: the first televised State Opening of Parliament
The State Opening ceremony we have today dates from the opening of the (rebuilt) Palace of Westminster in 1852. But parts of the ceremony can be traced back to even earlier times, when the monarchy and Parliament were on less than congenial terms.
Before the Queen travels to Parliament from Buckingham Palace, certain traditional precautions are taken. A member of the government is held at Buckingham Palace to guarantee the safe return of the monarch. The hostage is released upon the safe return of the Queen.
The Yeomen of the Guard search the cellars of the Houses of Parliament, in a tradition that dates back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes was arrested while preparing to blow up Parliament.
The official known as Black Rod is sent to the Commons to summon MPs to attend the speech. The door is at first slammed in his face and MPs do not reopen it until he knocks on the door with his staff of office. MPs then follow Black Rod and the Speaker to the Lords Chamber.
The speech is read in the House of Lords because no monarch has set foot in the House of Commons since 1642, when Charles the First entered the Commons and tried to arrest five MPs.
11:00 am - The Royal Procession leaves Buckingham Palace. The state crown travels in one carriage, and the Queen follows in a separate carriage. Spectators can view the procession as it moves along The Mall and down Whitehall to Parliament.
11.15 am - Palace of Westminster: the Queen arrives at the Sovereign's entrance to the Houses of Parliament.
11.30 am - Queen's Speech: the Queen reads her speech to Members of both houses from the throne in the House of Lords.
2.30pm - Motion for Humble Address: (Commons) and 3.30pm (Lords) – the Queen is thanked for her speech and the Commons and Lords begin to debate the new laws that the government is planning.
Members of the public cannot attend the State Opening, but can attend the debate. To attend a Parliamentary debate, request a ticket from your local MP. To find out more about how to visit Parliament, follow the link below.
The Queen's Speech is delivered from the throne in the House of Lords, in the presence of Members of both Houses. The content of the speech is drawn up by the government of the day.
The speech contains an outline of the government's policies and proposed new laws for the parliamentary session. After listing the main bills (which are drafts of new laws), the Queen says that "other measures will be laid before you
". This provides room for other bills to be introduced later in the session. The 2010-2011 parliamentary session is predicted to last for over a year (excluding breaks), finishing in autumn 2011.
The BBC will present live coverage of the State Opening of Parliment from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. It describes the event as a mix of 'pageantry and politics'. You can also watch live coverage of this event, and of many Parliamentary debates, on Parliament TV.
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