The Queen is carrying out her first major public engagement since the death of her husband Prince Philip. She will be attending the State Opening of Parliament today.
The event marks the beginning of the parliamentary session, with the delivery of the Queen’s Speech setting out the government’s legislative plans.
The Duke of Edinburgh accompanied the monarch to the event for years. And it will be her first official appearance in public in her role as head of state since his death on 9 April. It is also her first engagement outside Windsor Castle. Although she has been continuing with official duties, including virtual events, since the end of the period of mourning.
This year the Queen will be joined by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Charles has been at his mother’s side on recent occasions after his father fell ill before retiring from public duties.
The event is usually known for its pomp and pageantry. But this year’s ceremony will be scaled back due to the pandemic. Instead of her usual carriage, the Queen will travel in a Bentley limousine from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. She will be in day dress and a hat.
Covid measures in place
There will be only 108 people in attendance, compared to the usual 600, as no diplomat or non-parliamentary guests are invited. There will also be fewer politicians and peers present than in previous years. To comply with Covid measures, all MPs and members of the House of Lords will wear face masks throughout. Before attending, everyone will need to take a Covid test, and will only be allowed in with a negative result.
Contrary to usual custom, the speech will be placed on a table instead of being handed directly to the Queen by the Lord Chancellor. There will also be no military presence or lining of the staircase, and no band or Guard of Honour in the procession.
However, one ancient tradition that will still remain is the Black Rod, which sees the doors of the House of Commons closed in the face of Lady Usher Sarah Clarke. She then strikes the door three times before opening, which symbolises the Commons’ independence from the monarchy.
The Queen will not wear the heavy Imperial State Crown, which is made of over 3,000 gemstones and weighs nearly three pounds. Instead it will be carried on a cushion and placed on a nearby table. The crown was last worn by the monarch for the 2016 state opening.
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