Skip To...
The royal family’s rich traditions took the front seat during the State Opening of Parliament where King Charles read the speech by Keir Starmer’s government. The rare joint session between the House of Lords and the House of Commons took place on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. In reverence to his constitutional role as head of state, King Charles read the historic speech, dubbed The King’s Speech, laying out the Keir Starmer-led government’s legislative program for the year on the heels of his July 4 election as the UK Prime Minister.
As the event unfolded, the royal family shared first-hand glimpses via the monarchy’s official social media account. The shots captured King Charles in his Robe of State and Imperial State Crown, seated on the historic golden throne in the House of Lords’ parliament unelected upper chamber as he led the State Opening of Parliament.
Royal Ceremonies at the Forefront of State Opening of Parliament
The Lords and the Lawmakers each have their parts to play. As part of the ceremonial proceedings dating back to 1642, the Commons send a high-standing lawmaker to the palace as a hostage, a symbolic move to ensure the King’s safe return. On their part, a security official called the Black Rod would go to the House of Commons to summon members to the parliament.
Traditionally, the Commons would slam the door in the Black Rod’s face. This defiant move symbolizes their independence from the monarchy. Eventually, the Black Rod would hit the door with a staff, thrice. Only then would the Commons let him in and honor the invitation. The royal family captured this historic moment of significance in an Instagram video.
Another symbolic move is the lawmaker’s intentional delay in attending the joint sitting at the scheduled time. This also asserts dominance and independence.
Other symbolic moments like the King’s arrival through the sovereign’s entrance into the robing room, the royal procession, the monarch’s arrival in the House of Lords upper chamber to sit on the throne, and the arrival of members of the House of Commons who stand behind the chamber listening to The King’s Speech were captured. Snippets of King Charles’ 1 hour 58 minutes speech were also shared on the royal family’s social media page.
The King’s Speech Promised Economic Reform
With his wife, Queen Camilla beside him, the monarch read out The King’s Speech, voicing Keir Starmer’s plan for “national renewal.” In the speech, the new Labor Party government penned about 40 bills promising the transformation of lives, infrastructure, and the economy as a whole.
Some of the favored economic measures include a higher minimum wage, stronger protection for workers, better bus and metro services, and a better sewage disposal system with severe penalties for defaulters. Also, efforts to strengthen border security and forge stronger relationships with European partners were mentioned. Conversely, the new administration promised to reform the House of Lords and possibly remove the “outdated and indefensible” presence of hereditary nobles, among other policies.
