The State Opening of Parliament and the King’s Speech take place at Westminster on Wednesday, marking the formal beginning of the next parliamentary session.
Sir Keir Starmer had hoped this year’s speech would be a key element of a government reset and provide a boost to the Prime Minister after punishing elections losses.
But instead it is set to be overshadowed by the mounting calls among his MPs for him to quit, with many political commentators saying his position is now untenable.
The speech will set out longer term Government aims after the first parliamentary session focused on key manifesto pledges, resulting in the passing of legislation including the Renters’ Rights Act, Employment Rights Act and the Planning and Infrastructure Act.
But it remains unclear how much of the legislation in the speech will actually make it into law, as a new Prime Minister may have different priorities and reset the legislative agenda.
The State Opening of Parliament is the main ceremonial event in the parliamentary calendar.
But what actually happens on the day?
How much pomp and ceremony does the day involve?
There is quite a lot and it starts before the King even makes an appearance. At 9.30am on every state opening day, the royal bodyguards, known as the Yeoman of The Guard, conduct a ceremonial search of the cellars of the Palace of Westminster for explosives.
This is a nod to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in which a group of English Catholics failed to blow up the House of Lords and kill the protestant king.
An MP is also ceremonially taken hostage in Buckingham Palace while the monarch attends Parliament. This is designed to ensure the King’s safe return from Parliament.
Traditionally, a government whip known as the vice-chamberlain of the household performs this task and this position is currently held by Labour’s Samantha Dixon.
When does the main event start?
Peers will assemble in the House of Lords in the morning and it is one of the few occasions on which they can wear their traditional scarlet robes.
Dignitaries, including ambassadors, also take their seats and peers mix with guests, who can include members of the royal family.
Outside, a royal procession from Buckingham Palace to Parliament takes place as members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment escort the King.
As part of the procession, it is usual to see the Imperial State Crown and other important items travel in carriages to parliament. Officials with titles such as Gold Stick are also involved.
The King will arrive at the Sovereign’s Entrance to Parliament and he tends to be received by the Lord Great Chamberlain and the Earl Marshal.
He will eventually proceed to the Robing Room where he usually dons the ceremonial robes and the Imperial State Crown.
Meanwhile, it is a slightly more toned-down affair in the House of Commons as MPs gather ahead of meeting at 11.25am for the King’s Speech.
How does the King request the presence of MPs in the Lords to watch the speech?
The Black Rod is a senior officer in the House of Lords, responsible for controlling access to and maintaining order within the House and its precincts.
Black Rod Sarah Clarke, a senior Lords officer, will be sent to the Commons to summon them to the Lords to listen.
The door is shut in Black Rod’s face and she will strike it three times before it is opened, a tradition said to symbolise the Commons’ independence from the monarchy and dating back to the 17th century.
MPs file through Central Lobby to the Lords and as many as can be accommodated watch from the bar of the House of Lords, approximately at 11.30am. Some stay behind in the Commons and watch on their phones and tablets.
Former Labour MP Dennis Skinner used to make a topical quip when Black Rod arrived in the Commons, although no other MP has yet to do similar since he lost his Bolsover seat in 2019.
What happens next and why?
Once everyone is in position, the King will then read out a speech that outlines the new Labour Government’s legislative priorities for the parliamentary session.
The speech is written by the government of the day and is read out in neutral tones by the monarch. It will contain details of bills that the Government intends to introduce in the session and other policy priorities.
The length of the speech depends on how much information the Government wishes to include in it.
Is there any more ceremony in Parliament after the speech?
MPs will leave the House of Lords and the Commons will not sit again to consider the King’s Speech until 2.30pm on Wednesday. They will spend either five to six days debating the address, which is proposed and seconded by two Government backbenchers – one usually a long-serving member and the other a relative newcomer.
Their speeches are intended to be funny and make reference to their constituencies.
The debate then continues with the leader of the opposition and prime minister making contributions. Subsequent days have themes assigned to them and votes on amendments to the motion can take place the following week.
In the Lords, a motion for humble address is considered for a short period on Wednesday from 3.30pm and the King’s Speech debate starts on Thursday, again with different policy themes on each day.
