King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive to unveil Keir Starmer's new legislation at State Opening of Parliament

King Charles and Queen Camilla

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive to unveil Keir Starmer's new legislation at State Opening of Parliament

Getty
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 17/07/2024

- 11:05

Updated: 17/07/2024

- 11:34

The new Prime Minister has outlined his plan to 'take the brakes off Britain'

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived to unveil Keir Starmer's new legislation at the State Opening of Parliament.

The new Prime Minister has outlined his plan to "take the brakes off Britain" ahead of today's King's Speech.


Sir Keir Starmer is expected to hand King Charles, 75, more than 35 bills to read out in the Houses of Parliament.

The State Opening of Parliament is taking place in the House of Lords to mark the formal start of Parliament's new session.

King Charles and Queen Camilla

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive to unveil Keir Starmer's new legislation at State Opening of Parliament

Getty

The King and Queen travelled in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach to attend the ceremony.

It was used by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014 and has modern suspension, unlike the bone rattler Gold State Coach.

During today's ceremony, Black Rod is sent to summon the House of Commons to listen to the King's Speech in the House of Lords.

Queen Camilla

Queen Camilla dazzled in the Diamond Diadem

PA

Slamming the door as Black Rod approaches symbolises the independence of the Commons from the monarchy.

The King's Speech will set out the Government’s agenda for the next session, outlining proposed policies and legislation.

After the speech, a new parliamentary session starts with both the House of Commons and the House of Lords debating the contents of the King's Speech.

Diamond Jubilee State Coach

The King and Queen travelled in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach to the State Opening of Parliament

PA

King Charles and Queen Camilla

This is the second State Opening of Parliament of King Charles's reign

PA

Queen Camilla, who is celebrating her 77th birthday today, dazzled in a headpiece steeped in royal tradition.

She wore the renowned Diamond Diadem, estimated to be worth an astonishing £800,000.

Today's State Opening of Parliament was already the second ceremony of its kind under King Charles's reign.

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