The State Opening of Parliament is a unique and traditional ceremony which takes place in London every year. It marks the beginning of a new Parliamentary session and sets out the forthcoming legislative agenda. Although it usually occurs in October or November, it can also happen after a General Election.
Here we look at some of the traditions which define the ceremony today.
Guy Fawkes and The Gunpowder Plot
Before the ceremony can begin, the Yeoman of the Guard, Her Majesty's bodyguards, must search the cellars below the Houses of Parliament. This is a tradition which dates back to 1605 when Guy Fawkes famously attempted to blow up Parliament. It was further reinforced in 1678 by Sir Christopher Wren amid fears of a new, similar plot.
The Role of the Hostage MP
As a reminder of the sometimes turbulent relationship between the Monarch and Parliament, an MP is taken 'hostage' to guarantee the safe return of the Queen. This is generally a Government Whip and he/she is held at Buckingham Palace.
The Role of The Queen in the State Opening
The Queen represents the Crown in Parliament and it is her responsibility to open each session. Once the cellars have been searched and an MP taken hostage, the Queen can begin her journey to Parliament in the traditional Irish State Coach.
She is generally accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Imperial State Crown travels in a carriage ahead of her, guarded by Members of the Royal Household.
Her first stop is Westminster Palace, where she formally dresses in the robing room. Once this is completed, the Queen and her procession travel to the House of Lords. Here she dons the Imperial Crown and the Parliamentary robes.
Once inside the chamber, the lighting is lowered to achieve a more dramatic effect to her entrance.
Black Rod and the House of Commons
While the Queen waits in the House of Lords, Black Rod, the Queen's Messenger, walks to the House of Commons to officially summon the 250 representatives.
As part of the tradition, the door is slammed in Black Rod's face as a reminder that the Commons has the right to exclude everyone but the Sovereign's Messengers. It is then re-opened and the Commons are summoned.
Charles I and the Parliament of 1642
Charles I was the last monarch to enter the Commons. He made the mistake of trying to arrest five MPs and this tradition lives on as a reminder of his actions.
The Lords, the Commons and the Monarch
Parliament is made up of 3 parts; the Lords, the Commons and the Monarch. They must be gathered together before the Queen can lay out her legislative agenda.
Key Events in the History of the State Opening of Parliament
- 1536 - Henry VIII makes history as the first monarch to attend the State Opening in person
- 1852 - Queen Victoria opens Parliament in its new building for the first time
- 1898 - William Gladstone was the first public figure to be lay in state in Parliament after his death
- 1958 - State Opening of Parliament is first broadcast on television and radio
References:
BBC, State Opening of Parliament
The Royal Household, State Opening of Parliament
Join the Conversation